IND vs SL, T20Is: Decoding the key player battles
India and Sri Lanka are gearing up for a three-match T20I series, starting on Thursday. The hosts come into the series, having hammered West Indies 3-0 in the T20Is. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat versus Australia Down Under. There are several players aiming to take center stage in the series. On the same account, we decode the player battles.
Pathum Nissanka vs Deepak Chahar
Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka has amassed 486 runs in T20Is at 30.37. He had a decent series against the Aussies and will be aiming to perform well against India. Nissanka will be tested by Deepak Chahar, who is ominous with the new ball. Chahar has a tendency to get early wickets and can move the ball. An interesting battle awaits everyone.
Why does this story matter?
Both teams will be experimenting to see how the current players fit in with the ICC T20 World Cup to be held later this year. India were terrific against WI and ticked the boxes. The Lankans have work to do especially with the batting after a poor series versus the Aussies. The series will provide an insight on how players step up.
Rohit Sharma vs Maheesh Theekshana
Indian captain Rohit Sharma will be crucial for the hosts upfront. Rohit is a champion performer and he would be keen to settle in. Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana could be introduced early on. He will be testing Rohit's capabilities. Theekshana will be aiming to tease Rohit to go for the big shots. He has claimed 14 T20I scalps for SL in 15 matches.
Venkatesh Iyer vs Dushmantha Chameera
Venkatesh Iyer will once again aim to be prolific as a finisher for Team India. He smashed 24*, 33, and 35* versus WI, highlighting his prowess. He will aim to continue his fine form at the death. For Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera will be coming back in the final overs. He has a crucial task in keeping Iyer quiet. He has claimed 45 T20I wickets.
Suryakumar Yadav vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Suryakumar Yadav can make a real difference for India with the bat in the middle-order. He is a key asset with plenty of experience in T20s. Surya is also an excellent player of spin. He will be up against Lankan spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The latter has had a swift rise in T20Is, having claimed 57 wickets at just 13.75.
