Ardent fans chatting with Aravinda De Silva and Sanjeev De Silva (left) just as the Sri Lankan cricketers arrive for practice at the Wankhede stadium. Sri Lanka take on India in Mumbai on Saturday.

The Sri Lankan players go through their fitness regime prior to their nets at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.

MUMBAI, May 14: The most dreaded opening firm in overs-limited cricketSanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana may well have to forego the association, if manager Sri Lankan Duleep Mendis' revelations this afternoon are any indication.

A string of recent failures seems to have prompted the Sri Lankan think-tank to replace Kaluwitharana ahead of their crucial Independence Cup clash against India at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

``We have given a thought to change Romesh because we know that we will be doing more damage to his batting abilitites if we continue to open with him,'' he revealed while addressing the media.

Though he didn't name the batsman who would be the replacement, Roshan Mahanama appears to be the man.

The Lankans, who arrived last night, underwent a three-hour practice session without skipper Arjuna Ranatunga this afternoon at the Wankhede Stadium. Ranatunga reportedly strained his leg.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.