Stung by last week’s defeat to Sri Lanka in Pune, the Indians have struck back with an awe-inspiring aggression that cry ‘revenge’ at first glance. But there is more to it than about just putting a belligerent opponent in its place. Saturday’s huge win in the T20I decider at Rajkot and the emphatic demolition of the Lankans at Guwahati in the ODI series opener on Tuesday come amidst ‘internal fights’. With the ODI World Cup set to be hosted by India this year, the clamour for slots will remain an intriguing sub-plot to Team India’s current efforts at clinching yet another bilateral series.
Most slots booked
Barring injuries and other exigencies, some berths are ofcourse all but booked. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested for the T20s, returned to claim their rightful place in the scheme of things as Indian batsmen set the tone in Guwahati. It has nicely whetted the appetite for Thursday’s 2nd ODI here. Fans, particularly those on the Eden Gardens terraces, will also be hoping that Suryakumar Yadav too is in the mix. SKY, having enthralled all with his pyrotechnics, didn’t feature in Tuesday’s match. Given the quality on the bench, India will have the luxury of making more changes without comprising on their overall strength.
Pacer Umran on song
While the batting has been breathtaking, bowlers too have come to the party on occasions. Jammu and Kashmir seamer Umran Malik’s searing pace has been a highlight, and the youngster will surely enjoy the firm Eden wicket. After heavy back-to-back defeats, it may seem Sri Lanka are down and out, but Dasun Sanaka and his men have suggested time and again during this tour that they are no pushovers. The skipper himself has been assertive with the bat, and in Prathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva he has good company.
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The bowling unit does have potency. Though they did go for runs in Guwahati, Kusun Rajitha and Dilshan Madushanka can be a handful on a wicket that will lend itself nicely to the pacers, but it is the spin department that has more quality with Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhananjaya presenting a potent pair. The Indian batsmen are expected to again go hard at them and, on a big ground, the duo will fancy its chances.
