Published: Oct 30, 2014, 05:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 29, 2014, 11:59 PM (IST)
With their key players missing, the new faces in the Sri Lankan side look to make an impact in the few opportunities they could get, while fringe players from India aim for impressing selectors ahead of the limited-overs season and ICC World Cup 2015. Abhijit Banare presents a preview.
The senior players of the Sri Lankan side have all hinted about their dissatisfaction over the hastily arranged five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against India. With little option left, the Lankans will have to tweak their mindset and look forward to the series from the perspective of the ICC World Cup 2015 preparation. They have some new faces for the old pros especially in the bowling department. On the other hand a few players in the India A side have a lot at stake in this tour match and the limited overs domestic matches (Deodhar and Vijay Hazare Trophy) ahead. Below are some players from both sides who will be under pressure to perform for further opportunities.
India A
Sanju Samson: The young wicketkeeper-batsman is right on the selectors’ radar. With Wriddhiman Saha already picked for the series against Sri Lanka, Samson’s opportunity lies in utilising this match and the domestic season to back his case as the second wicketkeeper. There is stiff competition between Samson, Saha and Naman Ojha as the backup ‘keeper for MS Dhoni. The match tomorrow will certainly be a big occasion to get himself noticed.
Dhawal Kulkarni: One of the most consistent players in domestic cricket got a lucky break in the Indian side for the upcoming series due to Mohammed Shami’s injury. The first task for Kulkarni is to impress the team management with his performance in the tour match at Brabourne and ensure he gets his opportunities in the playing XI for the five-match series.
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Karn Sharma: The all-rounder, who made the cut via his impressive T20 record, will be a dark horse in India’s plans for the World Cup. While leg-spinners haven’t necessarily been successful Down Under, the selectors will be keen to pick a backup spinner for the marquee tournament. Karn’s batting gives him an edge over Kuldeep Yadav, but his real challenge is to pip the experienced Amit Mishra. A lot will be at stake for Karn in the upcoming matches.
For Rohit Sharma, this is a good practice returning from injury and Murali Vijay’s selection in the main squad means Rohit will replace him and pair with Unmukt Chand who did well in the two warm-up matches against West Indies opening with Vijay.
Sri Lanka
Kusal Perera: The aggressive left-hander hasn’t been as consistent as his reputation would suggest. With Sri Lanka yet to resolve its opening woes, the tour match will give an indication about who will be the first-choice opener along with Tillakaratne Dilshan. It could very well determine their opening combination for the series and tours ahead as well. What gives Perera more advantage than the third opener Upul Tharanga is his wicket-keeping skills which could prove handy since Dinesh Chandimal has been dropped. Both could be part of the XI in this series at least. The team combination will be interesting to watch out for since the squad also has specialist ’keeper Niroshan Dickwella.
Suraj Randiv: With Rangana Herath rested, Sachithra Senanayake banned, and Ajantha Mendis on the sidelines, Randiv couldn’t have asked for a better platform to stake claim for the matches ahead. With the Indian pitches blessing spinners with grip and turn, Randiv can fight his way back as the preferred spinner after Herath.
Chaturanga de Silva: The all-rounder could get his opportunity in the tour match and the series ahead. His ability to play cameos down the order and his part-time spin gives the Lankans good ammunition in these conditions. It’s his batting which gives him the edge in selection compared to other spinners in the squad.
Complete coverage of Sri Lanka tour of India 2014
(Abhijit Banare is a reporter at CricketCountry. He is an avid quizzer and loves to analyse and dig out interesting facts which allows him to learn something new every day. Apart from cricket he also likes to keep a sharp eye on Indian politics, and can be followed on @AbhijitVirgo)
