NEW DELHI: India's new coach-captain duo of Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav is set to make an immediate mark against a struggling Sri Lankan side as the well-known South Asian adversaries clash in a series of limited-overs matches, commencing with a trio of T20Is on Saturday.
Gambhir, a two-time World Cup champion, now holds the reins as India's head coach, while the T20I captaincy has been entrusted to Suryakumar, one of the format's most prolific run-scorers.
Sri Lanka, the victors of the 2014 T20 World Cup, find themselves navigating through tumultuous times in the aftermath of their early exit from the previous edition.
In the wake of the disappointment in the 2024 T20 World Cup, captain Wanindu Hasaranga, coach Chris Silverwood, and consultant coach Mahela Jayawardene stepped down from their positions.
The promising batsman Charith Asalanka has been appointed as the new captain, as Sri Lanka, akin to India, ventures into uncharted territory, seeking to improve their prospects.
Ind vs Sl match detailsThe first T20I match between India (IND) and Sri Lanka (SL) is set to take place on July 27 at 7:00 PM IST at the Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka.
Ind vs Sl head to head statsThe two teams have faced each other in 29 T20I matches so far, with India emerging as the dominant side, securing 19 wins compared to Sri Lanka's 9 victories. One match was abandoned due to rain.
Ind vs Sl Pitch reportThe pitch at Pallekele Stadium is generally favourable for batting. However, as the match progresses, the surface is expected to slow down, bringing spinners into play. Pacers will need to focus on hitting the deck hard and varying their pace and length to succeed on this track.
Ind vs Sl Fantasy InsightsTop-order batters are likely to be the safest picks for this match. Middle-order batters who are proficient against spin could also be valuable. Spinners are expected to dominate on this surface, making them potentially more rewarding choices.
Ind vs Sl Key players:Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND): The young Indian opener is in excellent form and can take on bowlers under various conditions, making him a reliable pick. He has shown great temperament and technique in domestic cricket and IPL, and if given a chance, he can prove to be a valuable asset for the Indian team in this series against Sri Lanka.
Suryakumar Yadav (IND): The newly appointed T20I skipper has been a dominant force in this format for the past few seasons and has a strong record against Sri Lanka. His ability to play unorthodox shots and score runs at a brisk pace makes him a dangerous player in the shortest format of the game. As a captain, he will be looking to lead from the front and set an example for his team.
Kamindu Mendis (SL): This Sri Lankan middle-order batter has been impactful in the Lankan Premier League and is entering the series with good momentum, potentially making him a high point earner. He has the ability to play spin well and can also bowl a few overs of off-spin if required. His all-round skills make him a valuable asset for the Sri Lankan team.
Axar Patel (IND): The Indian all-rounder can make significant contributions with both bat and ball. On this surface, his bowling could be particularly impactful, and his batting ability adds to his value. He has been in good form recently and has shown that he can be a match-winner on his day. His left-arm spin can be difficult to play on turning tracks, and his batting down the order can provide the much-needed impetus to the Indian innings.
Ind vs Sl T20I squadIndia: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.
Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Welalage.
Ind vs Sl Dream11 fantasy team:Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant
Batters: Suryakumar Yadav, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-rounders: Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya
Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana