Sri Lanka will take on the World T20 champions India in the first T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Saturday. After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement, it will be the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket folklore.

Furthermore, Gautam Gambhir’s coaching era also begins with this three-match T20I series. Gambhir is known for his aggressive tactics and India will look to take the opposition by the horns.

Suryakumar Yadav has been picked as the T20I captain ahead of Hardik Pandya and he will look to lead from the front.

Meanwhile, the baton is expected to be passed on to the young players and it will be interesting to note how they will grab their opportunities. There is no doubt that India has a potent bench strength and it will be imperative for the rookie players to grab their chances with both hands against the Island country. 

On the other hand, Sri Lanka has injury and health woes in their camp even before the series has started. Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thusara have been ruled out with Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madhushanka have been called in as replacements.

Charith Asalanka will lead the talented team and he will be determined to get the best out of his players after a disappointing show in the T20 World Cup.

Match Prediction: India will definitely enter the contest as favorites against Sri Lanka.

India T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

Sri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando.