(Screengrab/AFP)
The Indian men’s cricket team arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday, July 22nd. Under the guidance of their new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, the team hit the ground running with their first practice session in Pallekele on Tuesday. They are slated to play a three-match T20I series against the hosts at the same venue before moving on to Colombo for three ODIs scheduled at R. Premadasa Stadium on August 2nd, 4th, and 7th.
This series against Sri Lanka marks an important chapter for the revamped Indian squad, now led by Suryakumar Yadav. Following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is after India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Yadav takes on the mantle of captaincy.
In the absence of the legendary trio, India will showcase a fresh-faced lineup as they prepare for the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday, July 27th. Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has issued a stern warning to Team India, emphasizing that Sri Lanka possesses considerable talent and potential. He expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a series victory over India.
Pathirana highlighted that a positive outcome against the reigning T20 World Cup champions would greatly boost Sri Lanka’s morale, especially after their disappointment of not advancing to the Super 8s in the T20 World Cup 2024.
“I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players; their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions,” Pathirana was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
“We have a very good side and a lot of talent and potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence booster for the next three years,” he added.
Despite being just 21 years old, Matheesha Pathirana has quickly established himself as a prominent figure in international cricket. Known for his right-arm pace bowling, he represents CSK in the IPL and believes that his experience in the league has significantly contributed to his growth and development as a cricketer.
“After my under-19s, I was not in any squads in Sri Lanka. But since my debut for CSK, I got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka’s main team. Playing for CSK is a gift from God for me. Until I played for CSK, not many people knew me. Sharing the dressing room with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is very special for youngsters like me, especially coming from Sri Lanka.”
Since his IPL debut in 2022, Pathirana has accumulated 34 wickets in 20 matches for the Chennai Super Kings, showcasing his bowling prowess in the league.
