India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I predicted XIs: Will Rahul Tripathi replace injured Sanju Samson
India will look to complete another T20I series win at home, first under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, as they take on Sri Lanka in the second of a 3-match T20I series on Thursday.
Having already taken a 1-0 lead after the thrilling win in Mumbai, the action shifts to the MCA Stadium in Pune.
India and Sri Lanka have played 2 of the 3 T20Is that have been hosted by the MCA Stadium. While in 2016, India lost a low-scoring match after having been bundled out for 101, India won the latest meeting between the two sides — in 2020 – by a big margin after scoring in excess of 200.
It’s chapter 3 of the Pune battle and India will be looking for an improved show, especially with the bat. The hosts managed only 162, well below the par score, in Mumbai. They could get there only after late-order heroics from Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel.
WHO WILL REPLACE SAMSON?
India will have to make a forced change to their batting line-up as Sanju Samson, who batted at No. 4 in Mumbai, has been ruled out due a knee injury. Vidarbha and Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has been called up as a replacement but it’s unlikely that he would get a game straight away.
Rahul Tripathi, who has been travelling with the squad for quite some time now, is likely to make his T20I debut. The 31-year-old was in sensational form for SunRisers in IPL 2022, scoring 413 runs at a strike rate of close to 160. Tripathi, who plays for Maharashtra, will be eager to make his foray into international cricket at his home ground.
India are likely to continue with Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill at the top, meaning local hero Ruturaj Gaikwad might continue to sit out.
HARSHAL UNDER PRESSURE
In the bowling department, Harshal Patel’s inability to control the runs at the death is proving to be a cause for concern. His variations are beginning to get picked by opposition batters. If Arshdeep Singh, who missed out of the 1st T20I due to illness, recovers in time, Harshal might be the one making way for the lef-arm pacer. Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik impressed in the 1st T20I are set to retain their places.
Yuzvendra Chahal looked ordinary in the 1st T20I but the team management will be looking to give the senior spinner a bit more time to find his rhythm back.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will want their bowlers to deliver another spirited show. Kasun Rajitha leaked aplenty in Mumbai but the pacer is likely to retain his spot. Notably, Rajitha’s spell of 3/29 helped Sri Lanka win in Pune in 2016.
Middle-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s form is a cause for concern for the visitors. The left-hander struggled for runs in the T20 World Cup and failed to get going in the recently-concluded Lanka Premier League as well. Sri Lanka would want to back Rajapaksa with another opportunity, but time is running out for the explosive hitter.
What to expect from Pune pitch?
Pune is expected to offer enough for both pacers and spinners with the latter group of bowlers faring slightly better in terms of economy rate. The last T20I in Pune saw India score in excess of 200 but it remains to be seen if will be a batter-friendly pitch for Thursday’s T20I. Win the toss and bat first has been a trend in Pune.
IND vs SL, 2nd T20I PREDICTED XIs
India: Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Hardik Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Yuzvendra Chahal
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka.