New captain, known foes, lofty goals
Rohit Sharma to make captaincy debut in threematch series vs Sri Lanka as Virat Kohli takes a break ahead of South Africa tour
The hosts start favourites after clean sweeping Sri Lanka in an away ODI series a couple of months back. Kohli led the team in that contest, and if the current side needs any extra motivation in his absence, India having a chance to claim the No 1 ranking if they win 3-0 should do it.
SUNDAR FOR JADHAV
However, the hosts face some issues. Dhawan was down with fever and missed Friday’s net session. On Saturday, too, he joined the session late. However, he had extended nets and looked fine.
India have called up uncapped Tamil Nadu allrounder Washington Sundar -already in the T20 side -- for the ODI series replacing Kedar Jadhav, who suffered a left hamstring injury during training on Friday. He had the injury heavily strapped and was taken off practice. However, he batted at the nets on Saturday before ruled out of the series.
Even if India miss out on the senior players, they will still hold the upper hand. Bench strength is an aspect India have rapidly built in recent times.
The smooth transition of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal into India’s prime limitedovers spinners only validates the fact.
Young batting talent, Shreyas Iyer, who has so far played three T20s, spent time at the nets on Saturday and may get his debut.
In Jadhav’s absence, Iyer is likely to be part of a middle-order that might also have Manish Pandey and Dinesh Karthik.
Sri Lanka too have injury concerns. Dhananjaya de Silva, who hit an unbeaten century in the third Test at Ferozeshah Kotla, is out of the game. A glute muscle injury that forced him to retire hurt in Delhi, will keep him out.
Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal is fit. He went off the field more than once at Kotla due to pollution-related complications.
MATHEWS TO BOWL
All is still not bleak. Sri Lanka will have an extra bowling option as former captain Angelo Mathews is likely to bowl.
He didn’t bowl in the Test series but has been bowling in the nets.
The visitors have also been boosted by the return of senior batsman Kusal Perera, all-rounder Asela Gunaratne and pace bowler Nuwan Pradeep as they seek to turn the tables on the hosts.
Perera has not been in the best of form and would like to change the record as he makes a fresh start against the hosts.
ALL IS STILL NOT BLEAK. SRI LANKA WILL HAVE AN EXTRA BOWLING OPTION AS FORMER CAPTAIN ANGELO MATHEWS IS LIKELY TO BOWL.