Former captain and current interim coach of the Sri Lankan team, Sanath Jayasuriya, has sounded very confident that his side is going to win against India in the upcoming T20Is. Jayasuriya is banking on the fact that some legendary faces of Indian cricket, like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, announced their departure from T20I play right after their World Cup triumph. According to the SL coach, Rohit and Virat are one of the best names in the world. Their absence is a big loss for India, and they should take full advantage of that. The tour signals a new chapter in both teams, as India has also made changes in the coaching and leadership roles.
Sanath Jayasuriya Strategies
The series begins with the tour of India to Sri Lanka, where two of the most familiar faces, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are missing. These giants of cricket have retired from T20Is, thereby opening up space for a new generation of cricketers. Suryakumar Yadav has been picked as captain ahead of vice-captain Hardik Pandya due to fitness issues and will now lead this new team under Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach.
Following the exit of head coach Rahul Dravid, along with batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, the transition phase of India has begun well. Gambhir was impressed with the temperament of Suryakumar, and hence he wants to infuse new energy and fighting spirit into the team. The changes are big, but Indian cricket is also famous for its talent pool.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal will fill up the places of Rohit and Virat Kohli as openers. Gill is now the vice-captain for both ODIs and T20Is and is looked at as a burgeoning all-format player. The selectors reckon that these youngsters will keep India competitive. Rohit and Kohli should be back for the three-match ODI series that follows the T20Is, so their stamp will continue on the team. The retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is might leave a big vacuum, but at the same time, it’s a fabulous opportunity for the new talent to show its mettle.
Sri Lanka’s New Leadership
Sri Lanka too, comes into this series under new leadership. Jayasuriya took over as interim coach when Chris Silverwood had resigned in the wake of the World Cup debacle. Charith Asalanka comes in for Wanindu Hasaranga as captain, marking a new course for the team. Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando have been brought in, too, along with uncapped all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who did impressively in the Lanka Premier League. But they suffered a blow ahead of the tournament, with fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera out due to an injury. He will be replaced soon.
As preparations get underway in both camps, there is a sense of eagerness among the fans. Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on the transitional phase of India, while India will bank on its deep talent pool and resilience. Surely, the absence of Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja has brought an end to an era, but it would also open doors for new stars.
This is going to be a new canvas for both teams. India will miss their stalwarts, but the strong domestic circuit that throws up cricketers of class consistently will be their ally. New players in the team, hence, will be keen to make their presence felt and make the slot in their team permanent. Sri Lanka can take advantage of this transitional phase and win the series to gain confidence.
