India will kick off their 2023 campaign with a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with the first game to be played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday. Both teams will aim to take the right first step in the year and get on the board.
We look at the current form, head-to-head, players to look out for, and squads of both teams in our match preview.
Current form of India: T W NR L W
India has been a dominant force in the bilateral series and won their previous series against New Zealand after the disappointment of the World Cup. The series against Sri Lanka will be a good opportunity for the young players to grab their chances in the absence of the big names.
Current form of Sri Lanka: L W L L W
Sri Lanka’s last played T20I cricket in the World Cup, in which they could not make it through to the semifinals. There is no doubt there is a lot of talent in the team but they need to be more consistent in their performances to get the desired results.
Head to Head: Matches: 26, Won by India: 17, Won by Sri Lanka: 8, NR: 1.
India clearly holds the edge over the Island country. However, Sri Lanka stunned India in the Asia Cup 2022.
Players to look out for: Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, and Arshdeep Singh are going to hold the key for the Men in Blue.
Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa will be the crucial players for the visitors.
India Squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Mavi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.
Sri Lanka Squad for India T20Is: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ashen Bandara, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara.
