The recent triumph of Chamari Athapaththu and her team in Dambulla has brought in waves of excitement, but in Kandy, feelings around cricket are more complex. There is a palpable sense of frustration as discussions turn towards the cricketing realm, specifically the men’s team. Disappointment lingers from the underwhelming performance during the T20 World Cup held in June. As Kandy prepares to host the reigning world champions, the town remains in a state of cautious anticipation.
For India and Sri Lanka, both of whom are co-hosts for the next T20 World Cup and therefore do not need to qualify, this series marks the beginning of an ongoing trial period for the major tournament. With two ICC tournaments in different formats slated before the upcoming T20 World Cup, the immediate focus may slightly deviate from the shortest format. However, both nations, under new captains dealing with their respective sets of challenges, are keen not to falter at the start of their new leadership tenures.
Recent years have seen a flurry of captaincy changes in the T20 squads of India and Sri Lanka, albeit for differing reasons. India has been striving to change the team’s trajectory, while Sri Lanka has sought to maintain stability during transitional phases. In an effort to chart a new course for Sri Lanka’s T20 fortunes, Charith Asalanka has been appointed captain. Following a Lanka Premier League season that saw a few seniors dropped and some recalled, Asalanka appears ready to embrace this new challenge alongside their Asian counterparts.
Sharing the spotlight with her on Friday night, dressed in lighter blue, was Suryakumar Yadav, another newly-minted national skipper, who emphasized continuing the momentum established by his predecessor. Tasked with leading a confident Indian team, Yadav faces the unique challenge of sustaining excellence now that the iconic trio of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja have retired.
A day before the game, Yadav appeared composed, likening the transition to a change of an engine on an otherwise familiar train, suggesting that the core team dynamics remain unchanged. Despite the railway metaphor capturing attention, the task ahead is undoubtedly formidable. Both Suryakumar and head coach Gautam Gambhir bring limited experience to their roles, each embodying distinct leadership styles. Early performances under their leadership will be closely watched, much like their Sri Lankan counterparts, though immediate glory may not be essential for the Indian side.
Scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 7:00 PM local time, the 1st T20I will be hosted at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
. The weather is forecasted to be pleasantly warm but sultry. Known for producing high-scoring contests in the past, the venue could potentially witness another run-fest on Saturday night.
**India:**
Player availability sees Jasprit Bumrah rested and Yuzvendra Chahal dropped from the World Cup-winning squad. Neither were part of the recent tour to Zimbabwe, where a second-string Indian side competed.
Tactics & Matchups point towards Washington Sundar potentially targeting Kusal Perera, having dismissed the aggressive southpaw three times in 30 balls while maintaining a run-a-ball economy.
Probable XI:
Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh/Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
**Sri Lanka:**
Player availability has seen a shuffle with Dushmanta Chameera and Nuwan Thushara ruled out. Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madhushanka have been brought in as replacements. Additionally, Binura Fernando has been hospitalized with a chest infection, prompting the inclusion of Ramesh Mendis as a standby. The return of veterans Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera, following strong showings in the Lanka Premier League, adds further depth.
Tactics & Matchups noted include Dasun Shanaka’s potential effectiveness against Hardik Pandya, having dismissed him three times in just 14 balls.
Probable XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando
**Did You Know?**
All eight batters in the Indian squad boast strike rates exceeding 140 in T20s as of 2024.
Since January 2023, Arshdeep Singh and Maheesh Theekshana have maintained an economy of less than 7 runs per over in Powerplays.
Wanindu Hasaranga has a favorable record against Sanju Samson, dismissing him thrice in 11 balls, conceding only two runs.
**What They Said:**
“Nothing changes. The brand of cricket remains the same. What I’ve been playing, what I’ve been doing for the team, it doesn’t change. It has given me an added responsibility. Now I’ve to walk the talk,” said Suryakumar Yadav, on whether captaincy will affect his batting approach.