IND vs SL: 2nd T20I Preview – Run-fest awaits Indore after Guwahati washout
After the washout fiasco during the first T20I in Guwahati, India and Sri Lanka will finally hope to get the action underway in Indore. The Holkar Stadium has earned a reputation as a high-scoring venue. With short boundaries and a flat deck, the stroke-makers across both sides could have a jolly good time in the middle. With the T20 World Cup coming up soon, every game is vital for both teams in order to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Keeping this in mind, the sides will go full tilt as preparations intensify for the marquee tournament in Australia.
Match Info:
Talking Points:
Last chance saloon for Pant?
Expectedly, the Indian team management decided not to experiment much with their selections. Bumrah was back in the squad, with Sundar and Dube being the designated all-rounders. The big talking point though was the inclusion of Rishabh Pant. The wicketkeeper-batsman has blown hot and cold with Sanju Samson hot on his heels. With pressure mounting, it is slowly turning into a do-or-die situation for the young Delhite.
Sri Lanka rely on unpredictability
It came as a surprise when Angelo Mathews was recalled to the T20I squad. It was an even bigger surprise when he was not included in the XI for the first T20I. This is the sort of unpredictability that the visitors are hoping to catch the hosts off-guard with. They also don’t have the luxury of having big superstar names in their squad. But this may well turn out to be a boon instead of a bane for the Lankans.
Numbers to look out for:
Team News
India
With not a single ball being bowled in Guwahati, it was a missed opportunity for India to gauge their best XI. But the team which was selected for the 1st T20I had a healthy balance in it. The team management is unlikely to tinker with the combination and will persist with the same XI.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka made some big selection calls during the first T20I. The likes of Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis were left out. They decided to show some faith in the younger members of the squad and are likely to stick with the same philosophy.
