Virat Kohli boosted my confidence: Amit Mishra

Colombo: Leg-spinner Amit Mishra said on Tuesday that the Indian cricket team will put up a better performance against Sri Lanka in the second Test which starts at the P. Sara Oval here on Thursday. Recalling India's 63-run defeat in the first Test, Mishra, said he was confident that the side led by Virat Kohli has recovered sufficiently well to give Sri Lanka a run for their money in Kumar Sangakarra's farewell Test. He said that the team has introspected on their performances and the chances of committing mistakes in the next two matches are less. Read: Harbhajan Singh should be dropped for India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test at Colombo "We will be putting in double the effort in this match, and we have noted our shortcomings, and will perform diligently. We are playing Test matches after a long time, which is why we made a few mistakes .But, we are positive about the next match. Our team morale is very high," said Mishra. Backing the batsmen of his team, Mishra said the Indian cricket team has some of the finest batsmen. Read: India vs Sri Lanka 2015, 2nd Test at Colombo: Key Battles "I believe that the batsmen of our team are one of the best. They can play any ball; you must have seen that in the past. Sometimes what happens is that under pressure we lose a wicket or two, but our batsmen can play spin very well, We all make mistakes, but that does not set a benchmark," said Mishra. Read: Amit Mishra: India need to be more aggressive Mishra, who is playing in the team after four years, said he was under pressure. "No doubt, I was anxious. I am playing after a couple of years. So, yes, I was under pressure, but I was confident as I had worked very hard for it. Moreover, I have played with all these players in the past, so I was comfortable. All the players, including Virat Kohli, boosted my confidence too," said Mishra.