Young India face New-look Sri Lanka in Nidahas Trophy opener

Colombo: Cricket returns in Sri Lanka gear up to host India and Bangladesh in a T20 Tri-Nation series. The second-ever Nidahas Trophy (1st in 20-overs format) will be played commemorating Sri Lanka’s 70th year of independence.

Ahead of the series, all regular captains – Virat Kohli, Angelo Mathews and Shakib Al Hasan were either rested or injured, leaving their deputies in-charge.

Led by Rohit Sharma, India would be eager to check their bench strength having rested most of the regular players. Onus will be on experienced players to rise up to the occasion, namely Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul.

It is perfect opportunity for fringe players like Manish Pandey and Karthik to stake claim to the ever-coveted No.4 slot.

The sought-after all-rounder position sees a tough fight between Washington Sundar and Vijay Shankar.

Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat and Mohammed Siraj are likely to be India’s pace trio. Yuzvendra Chahal and Akshar Patel will marshal the spinning duties.

On otherhand, Sri Lanka were presented with problems of their own. Mathews, Asela Gunaratne and Shehan Madushanka are missing out due to injuries. Niroshan Dickwella has been dropped due to poor form.

However, hosts will be happy to see Kusal Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep and Jeevan Mendis return. Dinesh Chandimal will rely on experienced players like Suranga Lakmal, Upul Tharanga and Thisara Perera.

Bowling will be spearheaded by Lakmal, Thisara along with the help of Akila Dananjaya and Dushmantha Chameera.

Teams from

Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (Capt. and wk), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera (wk), Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Amila Aponso, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Dananjaya de Silva.

India: Rohit Sharma (Capt.), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant (wk), Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Siraj.

Pitch and conditions
It's hot and humid in Colombo.

Stats and trivia

• When India last visited Sri Lanka, in July-August 2017, they blanked the hosts across formats.
• When Sri Lanka toured India in November-December, they still lost series in all formats, including a 3-0 sweep in the T20Is.

Match facts
Tuesday 6 March 2018
Start time: 19:00 local (13:30 GMT)