Indian cricket is poised on the brink of a new chapter as Gautam Gambhir steps into his first assignment as head coach for the national team. The historic occasion will see India face off against Sri Lanka in the opening T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium this Saturday. Adding to the excitement is Suryakumar Yadav, who will captain India in a T20I for the first time as the permanent leader.
Suryakumar has previously shown his mettle in leadership roles against Australia and South Africa, delivering commendable performances. With the retirement of stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, India is undoubtedly in a transition phase. This series will serve as a crucial test for the new-look squad in the absence of the iconic trio.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are undergoing its own leadership transformation. Following a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down as captain. Charith Asalanka will now lead the team, aiming to steer the Islanders towards success. The hosts face additional challenges, as they will be without key pacers Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera for the series. However, they are hopeful that the form players from the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 will rise to the occasion and make a significant impact.
Sri Lanka vs India; T20I Series Fixtures:
- July 27: 1st T20I, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele – 01:30 PM GMT / 07:00 PM IST and Local
- July 28: 2nd T20I, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele – 01:30 PM GMT / 07:00 PM IST and Local
- July 30: 3rd T20I, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele – 01:30 PM GMT / 07:00 PM IST and Local
Also READ: SL vs IND, First T20I: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report, Kandy Weather Forecast, T20I Stats and Records | Sri Lanka vs India
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wl), Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe
India: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson (wk), Riyan Parag, Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:
- India: Sony Sports Network; Sony LIV
- USA and Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV (sign up here)
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports
- Pakistan: Tapmad
- Sri Lanka: Dialog TV
- South Africa: Super Sport Action
