India in SL

SportsCenter India's Sai Prasad Mohapatra finds out the mantra behind India's success in the second Test against Sri Lanka.

After a drubbing in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the SSC, Colombo Indian coach Gary Kirsten and mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton went back to a tried and tested formula yet again - that to motivate the dressing room with an inspirational theme.

"We have the opportunity to take control of our destiny in this series," was the writing on the wall and on the white board that was placed in the Indian dressing room at Galle.

Besides the theme, a session by session analysis on the white board was a constant reminder of what the team had to achieve. The goal was to decimate the Lankans, play as a unit and seize the opportunity.

"I just think we were looking for bits and pieces that would allow the team to do as well as they can. Everyone is focussed towards adding value (to the team) in every way they can," Kirsten told SportsCenter India.

"It doesn't guarantee results, but we try and win as many games of cricket we can," he added.

Team India celebrated the win in their own unique style. The belted out some hindi numbers in the dressing room, danced to it and followed it with a team dinner.

But the celebrations will not last long and the team will be back in the nets for the deciding Test at Colombo that starts on Friday.

"In the professional era, unfortunately, we do not celebrate for long enough and enjoy it. It's nice we have got a few days together. The guys are going to savour the moment," said Kirsten.

It was a question of survival when India landed in Galle, but with the victory it's time that the visitors turn agressor and truly take the destiny of this series in their hands.