There haven't been many occasions for the Sri Lankan team to cheer about during this ongoing series in India.
Having conceded the Test series rather tamely, the visitors witnessed their win in the first Twenty20 game in Nagpur and then lost the next one in Mohali.
And despite giving Indians a good run for their money in the first One-dayer, they finished second best at Rajkot.
However, a win in the second ODI at Nagpur kept them on track. And soon after the win, they heard something that ensured relief in their camp.
The ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe had imposed a two-match ban on captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni after India were found guilty of a slow over rate in Nagpur.
Considering the fact that Dhoni was in imperious form, his 72 and 107 at Rajkot and Mohali respectively, had helped the home team register imposing totals in the first two ODIs, his suspension was good news for the visitors.
And their captain couldn't conceal his satisfaction. Asked if his counterpart's punishment would help his team he replied in the affirmative.
"I don't know whether it will make a difference or not but I hope it does," admitted Sangakkara.
"He's one of the players in form and his absence will affect the team," he added.
The Sri Lankan skipper was, however, quick to point out that his side had their own share of worries with their injury list increasing with each passing day.
"But you have to also keep in mind that we have now lost Angelo Matthews as well," he said, hinting at the injury list that included names like Muttiah Muralitharan and Dilhara Fernando.
And veteran Sanath Jaysuriya's struggle with the bat ensured he was dropped from the side in the Nagpur ODI after being asked to bat at No.4 in Rajkot. Was it tough for the Sri Lankan think tank to drop the veteran considering the team is missing so many key names already.
"It is always tough," admitted Sangakkara, before adding, "But the combination we have been playing with so far has worked and it is hard to change a combination that is working.
"At the end of the day all our guys accept the fact that they have to perform to stay in the team."
The visitors have had problems with the ball as well, with none of their bowlers impressing. And their skipper admitted the folly albeit with a positive twist.
"Our bowling you can say is depleted but I would like to look at the positive side of things," said Sangakkara.
"I would say it is an opportunity for the new guys to prove their mettle," he added.
