IND vs SL: 1st T20I Preview: SL face stern task against mighty Indians

After whitewashing West Indies in the recently concluded T20I series in a rather one-sided manner, India are all set to play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. These matches promise to be a little more competitive as both teams have been in decent form of late. Besides, the hosts won't be fielding their full-strength side.

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Earlier, it was reported that Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur were all set to miss this T20I series. However, Suryakumar Yadav and Deepak Chahar have been ruled out of the three games as well. Thus, this gives the opportunity for several youngsters to make a mark.

Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are expected to be at their best, as they wouldn't get a better opportunity than this. As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, then they will be without the services of Wanindu Hasaranga. This comes as a huge blow for the Shanaka-led side as the leggie has been one of their best match-winners in the recent past.

Thus, Maheesh Theekshana is expected to play a huge role this time around. As far as their batting is concerned, a lot will depend on Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka. Thus, the first game promises to be an absolute cracker of a contest.

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Match Details:

Date – Thursday, February 24, 2022

Time – 7:00 PM IST

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Venue – Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Where to watch: Star Sports Network

IND v SL: Head-to-Head:

Total – 22

India – 14

Sri Lanka – 7

No Result - 1

Probable XIs

India:

In the absence of Kohli, Shreyas Iyer is expected to bat at three. In the meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja is set to return to the XI

Predicted XI:

Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan Venkatesh Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Ravi Bishnoi

Sri Lanka:

Jeffrey Vandersey might feature in the XI. However, the youngsters need to to step up this time around.

Predicted XI:

Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara