India will face Sri Lanka in the first T20I of their three-match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The game will start on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
Match Preview
This series marks the beginning of Gautam Gambhir's tenure as India's head coach. The matches are set to be a thrilling affair, with both teams eager to show their talent and strategy.
Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed the new T20I captain, and he will be eager to flourish in this new role. Shubman Gill, vice-captain, and a mix of experienced and young players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, and Hardik Pandya, will join him.
The squad also features dual wicketkeepers, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the bowling attack, with Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel handling the spin.
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- 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, too, is experiencing a transition, with Charith Asalanka taking over as the new T20I captain following Wanindu Hasaranga's resignation. The squad includes seasoned players like Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, and Dinesh Chandimal, and they will be looking to leverage their experience against a robust Indian side. Wanindu Hasaranga remains a crucial all-rounder for the team, and Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana bolster the bowling lineup.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad
- Charith Asalanka (C)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Janith Perera
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Chamindu Wickramasinghe
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Nuwan Thushara
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Binura Fernando
This series follows India's victorious T20 World Cup campaign and a successful tour of Zimbabwe, where they clinched the series 4-1. The Indian team will aim to continue winning momentum under its new head coach, Gambhir.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka will capitalize on home advantage and bounce back from recent performances. Including fresh leadership and experienced players aims to provide a balanced and competitive edge.
The matches will start at 7:00 PM IST, and the entire T20I series will be played in Pallekele, promising exciting cricket action for fans. The ODI series will follow, starting on August 2, in Colombo.
Indian audiences can watch the matches live on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on the SonyLiv app and website.
As India and Sri Lanka prepare to clash in this eagerly anticipated series, fans can expect a display of high-quality cricket and individual brilliance from both sides.
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando.
India: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
Key Players
India
- Suryakumar Yadav: Suryakumar Yadav is known for his explosive batting and innovative shot-making. His ability to score quickly and adapt to different match situations makes him a vital player. As the captain, his leadership will be crucial in guiding the relatively young Indian side. Yadav's recent performances have shown that he can handle pressure well, and his aggressive batting style could set the tone for India's innings.
- Shubman Gill: Shubman Gill has been in excellent form and is expected to provide a solid start at the top of the order. His role as vice-captain adds responsibility, and his consistency in scoring runs will be critical for India. Gill's ability to play pace and spin proficiently makes him a crucial player against Sri Lanka's varied bowling attack.
- Ravi Bishnoi: Ravi Bishnoi's leg-spin will be essential on Sri Lanka's spin-friendly pitches. His variations and ability to bowl economically while taking wickets can slow the opposition's scoring rate. Bishnoi's performance in the middle overs will be crucial in containing Sri Lanka's batsmen and building pressure.
Sri Lanka
- Charith Asalanka: Newly appointed captain Charith Asalanka will look to lead from the front. Known for his calm demeanor and reliable batting, Asalanka can anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. His leadership will be vital in marshaling a side that has undergone recent changes.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Despite stepping down as captain, Wanindu Hasaranga remains a critical player for Sri Lanka. His all-round abilities, particularly his leg-spin, can turn the game around. Hasaranga's knack for taking crucial wickets and handy lower-order batting make him indispensable to the Sri Lankan side.
- Maheesh Theekshana: Maheesh Theekshana's unique spin bowling can pose significant challenges for the Indian batters. Known for his variations and ability to bowl in the powerplay, Theekshana's role will be crucial in taking early wickets and restricting the flow of runs. His performance can set the tone for the rest of the bowling attack.
Match Prediction
Considering the recent form and squad depth, India have the upper hand going into the first T20I against Sri Lanka. India's batting lineup looks formidable, with Suryakumar Yadav's explosive batting and Shubman Gill's consistency at the top. Additionally, the presence of quality spinners like Ravi Bishnoi could exploit the spin-friendly conditions in Pallekele. While Sri Lanka's new captain, Charith Asalanka, and key all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga provide strong opposition, India's overall balance and recent successes make them the likely winners for this match.