IND vs SL: The India tour of Sri Lanka is not only one of the most vital series for team India, as they mark the era of Gautam Gambhir and new skipper Suryakumar Yadav, but also this series marks the beginning of an era of revival for the Lankan side.
The Sri Lankan side did not seem to be even the side that was once one of the most dominant teams in the sport. They underperformed in the Asia Cup first, followed by a weak performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023, where they faced humiliation from even many minor teams.
Their recent most disgusting performance came in the T20 World Cup in the United States this year, when they lost all matches except a match against Holland and hence faced group stage exit without even qualifying for the Super-8.
After this humiliation, Head Coach Chris Silverwood and Advisor Mahela Jayawardene both resigned from their roles, though nothing was pinned on them for their weak performance. Still, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board appointed veteran cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya as their interim coach.
India Tour of Sri Lanka 2024
Sri Lanka’s performance in the First T20I
The first match saw Asalanka leading them from the front, as he has been recently appointed as the new captain of the Lankan team. India put on a total of 213 in the first innings, despite Pathirana’s stunning four-wicket haul. The Lankan openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka put on a stunning opening stand, followed by Kusal Perera, as they took the score to a comfortable 140/1.
Then came the Indian spinners and the men from the Lankan island, who faced trouble with their middle order; wickets started to fall like dried leaves, as Sri Lanka soon found their three wickets falling in quick succession as Axar and Bishnoi struck in their last overs each.
India tour of Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Squad for T20Is
Sanath Jayasuriya faced early setbacks as Sri Lanka lost their two-star pacers, Thusara and Chameera, due to injuries as they were replaced by Madhushanka and Asitha Fernando, respectively. Jayasuriya will be likely to make some changes to their middle order to set up a working XI for the side, who have faced serious trouble over the same.
Sri Lanka Squad for T20Is: 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, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madhushanka, Binura Fernando.
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Changes Likely to be Made by Sanath Jayasuriya in the Second T20I
Jayasuriya might replace the likes of Kamindu Mendis with Avishka Fernando, as he might open alongside Nissanka, and Kusal Mendis can be demoted at no. 3, as he often doesn in the position as well. They might be likely to make another change in the form of Dunith Wellalage, who might come in place of Asitha Fernando, as he can add depth to the Lankan batting order.
Sri Lanka Likely Starting XI for the 2nd T20I:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Charith Asalanka (C)
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Dilshan Madhushanka
