IND vs SL: 1st T20I – Rain and wet pitch allows no play at Guwahati

The capacity crowd at Baraspara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati had to return home without seeing a single ball being bowled as rain and wet pitch proved spoilsport. The first T20I match of the year seemed all set to go at the toss time which India won. However, the rain stopped further proceedings. Once the rain stopped, the ground staff was unable to make the pitch ready for international cricket. After 9:45 PM IST, the match was called off.

Also read: Irfan Pathan announces retirement from all forms of cricket

No Samson

With the toss taking place, Virat Kohli’s playing XI caused a few debates. Pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah and opener Shikhar Dhawan returned to claim their place after an absence due to injury. India decided to rest Ravindra Jadeja, Manish Pandey, Yuzvendra Chahal and Sanju Samson. There was much furore amongst fans for not giving a single opportunity to the young batsman from Kerala. Samson had earned his selection on the basis of runs in domestic cricket but he is yet to feature in Kohli’s scheme.

The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka has been abandoned due to rain.#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/yjJVcv2QgV

— ICC (@ICC) January 5, 2020

Hairdryer

Yes, you read that right. Hairdryer became a talking point when the ground staff explored all tools available in an effort to dry the pitch. Somehow, the water had seeped under the covers and wet patches on the wicket played a large role in play not starting. The ground staff tried vacuum cleaner and hairdryer to quicken the drying process. But even those efforts went in vain as the umpires called off the game after 9:45 PM IST.