One tournament ends and another begins. Such is the nature of modern-day cricket that there is little time for respite and relaxation as the next international or domestic engagement is just around the corner. T20 World Champions India, who have just dusted off minnows Zimbabwe 4-1 in an away tour are faced with their next challenge. A more challenging three T20s and three ODIs against a stronger side: Sri Lanka.
For Sri Lanka, who are still licking their wounds following a disappointing (albeit predictable) outing in the recently concluded World T20, the goal would be to put up a better fight against a formidable Indian lineup. Rest assured no matter how many changes the Indian management makes the team that plays Sri Lanka would be top-class.
India – More Experimentation with a Proven Formula
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In cricket, like anything in life, the maxim is that if it is not broken, don’t try to fix it. This means that the young players and new faces that made their entrance on the international scene in Zimbabwe would be out for another run. It is tempting to think that India would bring in a few more experienced players to take on the, at least on paper, stronger Sri Lankan side, but don’t bet on it.
Indian cricket today is filled with quality players who are looking for a good shot on the big stage. And frankly, if you are a betting person, you should not be surprised if more new faces are making the final squad. Reports coming at the moment indicate that the selectors are likely to bring in a few more experienced heads: the likes of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who missed out on the T20 World Cup but were deemed too good/experienced for the Zimbabwe tour could make a return.
Sri Lanka – The Goal is to Not Lose… Badly
Things have changed in world cricket. A decade or so ago, when India was in the ascendancy, Sri Lanka was still a top side that could compete with any of the big teams in world cricket. But not anymore. The current Sri Lankan team, whilst not lacking in talent, is a shadow of the world-dominating sides of the mid-1990s and mid to late 2000s.
For the Sri Lankan side that will be taking on India, the goal would be to compete hard. The victory by Zimbabwe in the first T20 game in the recently concluded tour shows that this team is beatable. And if things go according to plan and if the Lankans can exploit the local conditions, then a repeat of the 2021 India tour of Sri Lanka, where the hosts won the ODI series but lost the T20 is something to aim for. However, this is all speculation, the fact is, this Indian side, despite the embitterment of key players is a powerhouse, and will take something special for the Lankans to beat.
Indian Victory Most Likely but Don’t Count out Sri Lanka
If one is to predict the outcome of the 3 T20 and 3 ODI games, it is a fair bet that India will come out on top. Not only is the Indian team of today stronger than the one that visited Sri Lanka in 2021, but the players who make up the reserves; the rising stars of IPL are in great shape too. So the Sri Lankan team, most likely led by new captain Charith Asalanka will have to produce something special to beat this India side.
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