India vs Sri Lanka T20I series 2024
As the cricketing world looks forward to a thrilling India vs Sri Lanka T20I series 2024, both teams are gearing up for new beginnings. With fresh leadership and coaching staff, this series promises an exciting clash between the two teams. However, Sri Lanka’s preparations are hampered by illness and injuries, posing significant challenges.
Big Picture: New Beginnings
India and Sri Lanka will kickstart their new T20I era in Pallekele T20I on Saturday. India, fresh off their 2024 T20 World Cup victory, have appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the new captain, succeeding the retired stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, having exited early from the World Cup, have appointed Charith Asalanka as their captain, replacing Wanindu Hasaranga.
Contrasting Starting Points
India enters the series with confidence, having recently won a T20I series against Zimbabwe with a second-string side. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, saw Asalanka lead Jaffna Kings to victory in the Lanka Premier League 2024. Both captains, Asalanka and Suryakumar, bring experience, having led their national sides in the past.
Team Challenges
India will miss Jasprit Bumrah, who is rested. Sri Lanka faces more significant challenges with key players like Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara sidelined due to illness and injury. Binura Fernando’s hospitalization due to a chest infection adds to their woes, prompting the inclusion of all-rounder Ramesh Mendis as a standby.
Form Guide
- Sri Lanka: WLLWL (last five completed T20Is)
- India: WWWWL
In the Spotlight: Matheesha Pathirana and Shubman Gill
Matheesha Pathirana: The Colombo Strikers’ bowler shone in the Lanka Premier League, finishing as the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets in nine matches. His impressive death bowling, with an economy of 7.02, will be crucial against India in the India vs Sri Lanka T20I series 2024.
Shubman Gill: India’s new white-ball vice-captain seeks to improve his T20I performance. Despite a modest T20I run leading up to the World Cup, his IPL performance showcased his potential. The selectors’ faith in Gill as vice-captain for both ODIs and T20Is provides him a significant opportunity in the India vs Sri Lanka T20I series.
Team News: India to Play Three Spinners?
- Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Avishka Fernando/Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana.
- India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi/Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.
Pitch and Conditions: Spin Over Seam
The LPL matches in Pallekele favored spinners, with an average first-innings score of 185. Spinners registered an economy of 7.64 compared to fast bowlers’ 10.58. Although rain is forecasted during the day, the evening match in the India vs Sri Lanka T20I series is expected to proceed without interruptions.
Stats and Trivia: India’s Dominance
- Sri Lanka has beaten India only once in a bilateral T20I series, winning 2-1 at home in 2021.
- India has won 15 out of 16 T20Is this year, with their only defeat against Zimbabwe.
- Suryakumar Yadav, with 133 sixes, is fifth on the list of most sixes in T20Is. Five more sixes will place him third.
Quotes
“I don’t want to change a lot. I want to try to get the best out of my players, and build an environment where they can be free and do their best.” – Charith Asalanka on being the captain.
“Hardik [Pandya] has had the same role throughout and that’s not going to change. He’s a very important player for the team and we want him to continue the things he did in the World Cup.” – Suryakumar Yadav on Hardik Pandya’s role in the side.
Table: Key Information
| Team | Player | Role |
| India | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batsman |
| Shubman Gill | Batsman, Vice-Captain | |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | |
| Suryakumar Yadav | Batsman, Captain | |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder | |
| Shivam Dube | All-rounder | |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder | |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder | |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | |
| Ravi Bishnoi/Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler | |
| Mohammed Siraj | Bowler | |
| Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka | Batsman |
| Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | |
| Avishka Fernando/Kusal Perera | Batsman | |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder | |
| Charith Asalanka | Batsman, Captain | |
| Dasun Shanaka | All-rounder | |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-rounder | |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Bowler | |
| Asitha Fernando | Bowler | |
| Dilshan Madushanka | Bowler | |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler |
Who are the new captains for India and Sri Lanka in the T20I series?
Suryakumar Yadav is the new captain for India, while Charith Asalanka is leading Sri Lanka.
Which key players have retired from India’s T20I format?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja have retired from T20Is for India.
Who is the head coach for India and Sri Lanka in this series?
Gautam Gambhir is the head coach for India, and Sanath Jayasuriya is the interim head coach for Sri Lanka.
What is the recent T20I performance of India and Sri Lanka?
India’s recent T20I form is WWWWL, and Sri Lanka’s form is WLLWL.
Which Indian player has been rested for this series?
Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series.
What illnesses and injuries are affecting the Sri Lankan team?
Sri Lanka has lost Dushmantha Chameera (bronchitis), Nuwan Thushara (broken finger), and Binura Fernando (chest infection).
Who are the key players to watch in this series?
Matheesha Pathirana for Sri Lanka and Shubman Gill for India are key players to watch.
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