India vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I: The first match of the three-match T20 series between India and Sri Lanka is to be played today (July 27) in Pallekele. Through this match, the newly appointed coach and captain pair of Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav would like to make a strong debut in T20 cricket. According to Indian time, this match will start at 7.30 pm.
What will be the playing-11 of Team India?
For this match, fans will have their eyes on the playing-11 of Team India. For the Indian team, in this match, vice-captain Shubhman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal can lead the opening. After this, wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant’s arrival at number 3 is almost certain. Then Captain Surya himself will take charge at number-4. After this, the number of Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh/Shivam Dubey can come.
Hey you fielding drill – How so fun 😄😎
Quite a vibe in the group in this fun session at Kandy 🤙#TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/nIaBOnM8Wy
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 26, 2024
As spinner, all-rounder Akshar Patel and leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi may get a chance. Since the Pallekele pitch is also favorable for spinners, captain Surya can field Washington Sundar as the third spinner along with Akshar and Bishnoi. Due to this, one of Shivam Dubey/Rinku Singh may have to remain out of the playing-11. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Siraj can be tried as specialist fast bowlers. However, news of Siraj getting injured in the practice session has come to light. In such a situation, if Siraj is not fit, then left arm fast bowler Khalil Ahmed may get a chance.
When the Indian team is going through a phase of change, the vice-captain of the limited overs team, Shubman Gill, might be seeing this as an opportunity to cement his place. Not only him, other players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh and even Ryan Parag would like to do the same. Akshar Patel is fully ready to take Jadeja’s place in the team. Apart from them, India also has good all-rounders in the form of Hardik, Shivam Dubey and Washington Sundar. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested from this tour, in his absence Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Siraj would like to take full advantage of the conditions here and strengthen their place in the team.
Sri Lanka has already suffered major shocks
As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, it looks weak in the fast bowling department as its two experienced bowlers Dushmantha Chameera (bronchitis and respiratory infection) and Nuwan Thushara (finger fracture) have been ruled out of the series. In their place, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka have been included in the team.
After Sri Lanka’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, captain Wanindu Hasaranga, coach Chris Silverwood and consultant coach Mahela Jayawardene stepped down from their posts. Sri Lanka has appointed Sanath Jayasuriya as the interim coach, who has asked his team to take full advantage of the absence of India’s star players. But he is also well aware of the weaknesses of his team.
Like India, Sri Lanka will also start a new era. He has handed over the responsibility of captaincy to experienced batsman Charith Asalanka. Sri Lanka would like to take advantage of home conditions and achieve victory. They have many experienced players including former captain Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal.
India’s probable playing-11 in the first T20 match: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khalil Ahmed/Mohammed Siraj.
Sri Lanka’s probable playing-11 in the first T20: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Velalage, Mahish Tikshana, Mathisha Pathirana, Binura Fernando.
India-Sri Lanka schedule
27 July- 1st T20, Pallekele
July 28- 2nd T20, Pallekele
30 July- 3rd T20, Pallekele
2 August- 1st ODI, Colombo
4 August- 2nd ODI, Colombo
7 August- 3rd ODI, Colombo