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 (27 July) in Pallekele. Through this match, the newly appointed coach and captain duo of Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav will want to make a strong start in T20 cricket. According to Indian time, this match will start at 7.30 pm.
What will be the playing-11 of Team India?
Fans will be keeping an eye on Team India’s playing-11 for this match. Vice-captain Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal can take charge in opening for the Indian team in this match. After this, wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant is almost certain to come at number-3. Then captain Surya himself will take charge at number-4. After this, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh / Shivam Dubey’s turn can come.
Hey, fielding drill – how fun 😄😎
The group had a lot of excitement in this fun session in Kandy 🤙#TeamIndia , #SLVIND pic.twitter.com/nIaBOnM8Wy
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 26, 2024
All-rounder Akshar Patel and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi may get a chance as spinners. Since the pitch of Pallekele 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 be out of the playing-11. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Siraj can be tried as specialist fast bowlers. However, there are reports of Siraj being injured in the practice session. In such a situation, if Siraj is not fit, then left-arm fast bowler Khalil Ahmed can get a chance.
While the Indian team is going through a phase of change, limited overs vice-captain Shubman Gill would be looking at this as an opportunity to cement his place. Not only him, other players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh and even Riyan Parag would also like to do so. Axar Patel is all set to replace Jadeja in the team. Apart from him, 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 setbacks
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) are 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 resigned from their posts. Sri Lanka has appointed Sanath Jayasuriya as 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 weakness of his team.
Like India, Sri Lanka will also start a new phase. It has handed over the captaincy to experienced batsman Charith Aslanka. Sri Lanka will want to take advantage of the home conditions and win. It has 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 Aslanka (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Welalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Mathisha Pathirana, Binura Fernando.
India-Sri Lanka schedule
July 27 – 1st T20, Pallekele
July 28 – 2nd T20, Pallekele
July 30 – 3rd T20, Pallekele
Aug 2 – 1st ODI, Colombo
Aug 4 – 2nd ODI, Colombo
Aug 7 – 3rd ODI, Colombo