Even a second-string Indian side proved to be too difficult to overcome at home as Hardik Pandya-led team won the T20I series 2-1 against Sri Lanka.
Now, India are to their almost full strength when they host Dasun Shanaka’s team for a 3-ODI series with both teams aiming to fill in the holes and gaps, and identify their players as their prepare for the ODI World Cup later in the year in India.
All three of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul will return for the ODIs after being rested from the T20I series. However, the comeback of another stalwart – Jasprit Bumrah – has been delayed after a decision was taken not to play him in the ODI series. Bumrah was not part of India’s original squad announced on December 27, but was included for the three-match series on January 3, and now has ben pulled out.
Sri Lanka will also be without their senior and fastest bowler, Dushmantha Chameera, who has not toured India.
IND vs SL 1st ODI pitch report, date and time
When: January 10, 1.30 PM IST
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
IND vs SL 1st ODI pitch report:
The Guwahati pitch has traditionally been batting-friendly, but the pacers do get help in the first powerplay as there is a tinge of grass on the surface, and the ball also does move considerably under lights. If the top 3 can see off the initial difficult phase, there’s plenty of runs for the taking.
IND vs SL 1st ODI Predicted playing XI
For the second opener, India have a tough decision at hand: whether to go with Gill, who had a terrific 2022 in ODIs, or Kishan who capped off his 2022 with a blazing double century. India would also like to play the ridiculously in-form Suryakumar, but would they drop Iyer or KL Rahul for SKY?
India’s probable XI:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill/Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav/KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Chahal/Kuldeep/Arshdeep.
Sri Lanka probable XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha
IND vs SL 1st ODI match prediction: India to win the match
In home conditions, India are probably the strongest team in the world. They defeated Sri Lanka with a second-string unit, and now with the big guns back, anything other than a Team India victory will be a surprise.
