(ICC Credit)
India is set to embark on a cricketing journey to Sri Lanka this July for an exciting series featuring both ODIs and T20Is. Following the conclusion of the T20I World Cup 2024, Gautam Gambhir is poised to take over as the new head coach of the Indian team, adding a fresh dynamic to their strategy against Sri Lanka. This bilateral series will showcase a total of six thrilling matches – three ODIs and three T20Is.
Reflecting on their last encounter on Sri Lankan soil in 2021, India secured victory in the ODI series while the hosts claimed the T20I series. As they gear up for this upcoming challenge, India plans to maintain a blend of seasoned veterans in their ODI lineup while introducing a youthful vigor in the T20I squad. Promising talents who showcased their skills during IPL 2024 are expected to earn their maiden call-ups, marking a pivotal opportunity for them to shine on the international stage.
India’s probable T20 squad for the 2024 Sri Lanka series features an exciting lineup of openers who excelled in IPL 2024. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Abhishek Sharma showcased their prowess during the tournament, making compelling cases for their inclusion.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, representing Rajasthan Royals, left a significant mark with his century, highlighting his ability to dominate attacks. Ruturaj Gaikwad emerged as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, trailing only Virat Kohli, showcasing his consistency and ability to anchor innings effectively. Abhishek Sharma, while opening for SRH, impressed with multiple explosive knocks at a high strike rate, crucially guiding his team to the final and contributing to record-breaking team totals.
These performances have earned them strong consideration for the Indian T20 squad, promising to add firepower and stability at the top of the order against Sri Lanka.
In the upcoming Sri Lanka T20I series, India’s middle-order boasts formidable talent with the likes of Rinku Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Riyan Parag. Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav bring extensive experience and firepower in the shortest format, making them pivotal figures in India’s batting lineup.
Shivam Dube, already established in the T20I setup following his performances in the T20 World Cup, adds solidity and aggression with his ability to strike the ball at a high rate. Joining them is the explosive Riyan Parag, who earned a reputation as one of the most feared batters for Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2024 season.
For wicketkeeping duties, India can rely on Rishabh Pant and Jitesh Sharma. Pant, known for his aggressive stroke play and recent strong form post-injury, provides dynamic batting prowess in the middle order. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma, who made his T20I debut last year, adds depth and versatility behind the stumps, contributing with both bat and gloves.
Together, this blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents promises a formidable middle order and solid wicketkeeping options for India as they prepare to take on Sri Lanka in the T20I series.
India’s T20 squad for the Sri Lanka series will be led by the dynamic all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is set to take charge as vice-captain. Hardik Pandya’s recent performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, underscoring his pivotal role in the team’s strategy.
Joining him as spin all-rounders are Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, providing a balanced combination of spin options. Notably, the selectors may opt to rest Ravindra Jadeja, who will feature prominently in the ODI series, considering his workload across formats.
In the spin department, India will rely on the consistency of Ravi Bishnoi, known for his economical bowling and steady performances in T20Is. Alongside him, Varun Chakravarthy presents an exciting prospect, having demonstrated his skills effectively during the IPL 2024 season, where he played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ championship win under mentor Gautam Gambhir.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mohammed Siraj, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. Arshdeep Singh offers left-arm variation, complementing the pace battery alongside Avesh Khan, who impressed during IPL 2024 with his consistent performances. Mohammed Siraj, known for his fiery spells, adds experience and potency to the pace attack, having made a significant impact against Sri Lanka in recent encounters.
Together, this blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents promises a formidable squad for India as they prepare to challenge Sri Lanka in the T20I series.
