“It’s our time to shine”: Athapaththu 

• This column by Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu is for editorial use giving credit to the ICC

Playing at a World Cup isn't something you get to do every day, and it is an opportunity that we will not take for granted.

It's a huge honour to captain my country at an ODI World Cup and the fact that part of the tournament will be played at home in Sri Lanka makes it that much more special.

We are excited to be playing some matches in front of our own fans. It's a huge advantage and an good opportunity for us.

Sri Lankan cricket has come a long way since the 1990s and we have taken part in several World Cups since.

In my own time, I can confidently say that we've grown so much as a team over the years.

In 2013, we beat defending champions England as well as India and that was by far the best achievement we had in a World Cup up to that point.

I feel we have only gotten better since and that we can compete against any side in the world.

We have a promising group of players such as Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne and Kavisha Dilhari, along with several other talented youngsters.

The subcontinent conditions are something we are used to, and I feel that will give us a secret advantage.

Combined with the experience of our senior players, we have a strong balance of youth and maturity, and this year's World Cup is a real chance for us to shine.

This tournament is also a chance for us to raise our standards to a new level.

All the teams in this World Cup are here to win so we will not underestimate anyone. We will treat every opponent with equal respect and give our best in every single match, starting with the opener against India in Guwahati on 30 September.

We know how strong India are and they will be desperate to impress the local support.

But equally, we know thousands of our own fans will come along to support us and many more will be watching in front of television screens at home.

I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for cheering us on.