India is set to face Sri Lanka in the first T20I on July 27th at 7:00 PM IST, with the match taking place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. This encounter marks the beginning of a three-match T20I series, signalling a fresh chapter for Indian T20 cricket. The Indian team will now be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who steps into the captaincy role following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.
India’s squad boasts a strong batting lineup featuring emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, along with the experienced Suryakumar Yadav. Their spin department, anchored by Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, is expected to play a pivotal role in the series. The blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise in the Indian camp promises an exciting display of cricket.
Sri Lanka, captained by Charith Asalanka, aims to leverage their home advantage. The team’s batting strength lies with players such as Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Janith Perera, who are crucial to their success. On the bowling front, the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will be vital. Their ability to exploit the conditions in Kandy could pose significant challenges for the Indian batsmen.
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Historically, India and Sri Lanka have contested 29 T20I matches. India has emerged victorious in 19 of these encounters, while Sri Lanka has secured 9 wins, with one match yielding no result. In their last five meetings, India has won three times, with Sri Lanka clinching victory in two matches. This sets the stage for a compelling series opener, with both teams showcasing an array of talent and competitive spirit. Fans can anticipate a thrilling contest as the two sides vie for early supremacy in the series.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is facing some injury concerns as they head into the first T20I. Nuwan Thusara injured his left thumb during practice on Wednesday and has been ruled out of the series. Additionally, Dusmantha Chameera is out due to health issues, as he is still recovering from a respiratory infection. The bowling attack will now feature Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Binura Fernando, and Asitha Fernando. Many of these players have recently performed well in the Lankan Premier League 2024 season, showcasing their readiness for the international stage.
Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka (Captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Mahesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.
India
Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad are notable omissions from the squad that played against Zimbabwe in their previous series. The team will continue with Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batsmen for the T20Is. Hardik Pandya remains part of the T20I squad but no longer serves as the vice-captain. In the bowling department, Mohammad Siraj will lead the attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. The group also includes Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Rishabh Pant, Kusal Mendis, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal (vc), Dasun Shanaka, Hardik Pandya (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Arshdeep Singh, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dasun Shanaka, Hardik Pandya, Wanindu Hasaranga (vc), Arshdeep Singh, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Mohammad Siraj
