IND vs SL, 2nd T20I: 3 changes Team India might contemplate despite a big win in series-opener

KEY STORY

• The action in the India-Sri Lanka series will move to Northern India for the next week as the two teams square off in 2 T20Is and one Test match in Dharamsala and Mohali, respectively. After dominating the proceedings in the opening T20I in Lucknow, Team India will hope to seal the series in the 2nd T20I itself. A clean sweep win for the Men in Blue won’t be a big surprise.

• On the eve of the 2nd T20I, India suffered another injury blow as Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the series due to a wrist issue. The issue kept him out of playing XI for the first T20I as well. With Ruturaj out, Ishan Kishan is confirmed to open the innings with Rohit Sharma. But will India make changes to their middle-order or the bowling department? Here’s a look at likely changes India might contemplate despite a big win in the opening game of the series –

  Ravi Bishnoi for Deepak Hooda: Deepak Hooda worked hard for his maiden India call-up and has done well in 4 matches he played for the Men in Blue since his debut. But in T20Is, he isn’t a confirmed starter as Washington Sundar and Axar Patel will regain their spots once they return.

• Since Hooda may not get regular chances once the regulars return, the team management can try Ravi Bishnoi, who was surprisingly benched for the opening T20I. Bishnoi holds a strong chance of making it to the T20 World Cup squad and can be given regular chances before the ICC event.

  Mohammed Siraj for Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the senior pacers in the squad and a confirmed starter in the shortest format of the game. After being rested for 3rd T20I against WI, Bhuvneshwar returned for the opening T20I against SL and scalped 2 wickets for just 9 runs.

• With Bhuvneshwar set to keep his spot, the management might give Mohammed Siraj a chance as there are only 2 T20Is left in the season. Siraj is an automatic selection in Tests but he isn’t a regular in T20Is. By playing him in the last 2 T20Is of the season, the management can give him the top-flight experience of playing the shortest format.

• Kuldeep Yadav for Yuzvendra Chahal: A surprising choice but yes, the management is expected to give Kuldeep Yadav a chance somewhere down the line. Kuldeep may not have a great record of late but there’s a reason why the selectors brought him back in the squad.

• They want wickets in the middle-order and with the aim to churn out positive results, Kuldeep could be included along with Bishnoi, which means a rest for Yuzvendra Chahal. Sri Lanka team isn’t expected to match India’s balance and the home team can manage to test out its irregulars during the last 2 matches with the T20 World Cup in mind.