The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the itinerary for India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka on Thursday. The tour, scheduled to commence on July 26, will see India’s Men in Blue engage in a series of three T20Is followed by three ODIs in the island nation.
This marks the inaugural assignment for newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was confirmed as Rahul Dravid’s successor just a day prior. Gambhir, a former Indian opener, steps into his new role amidst expectations following India’s recent triumph in the T20 World Cup.
The forthcoming series holds significance as it will be the first major outing for many of India’s senior cricketers post their victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup held in the United States and the Caribbean.
Currently, India is involved in a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe with a squad predominantly comprised of younger players under the leadership of Shubman Gill. All-rounder Shivam Dube, the sole member from the World Cup-winning team in this current series, continues to showcase his prowess.
While the BCCI is yet to finalize the squads for the upcoming T20Is and ODIs against Sri Lanka, it is anticipated that seasoned stars such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might be rested. Both players retired from T20Is after the World Cup and have expressed their desire to skip the ODIs as well.
In their absence, either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul is likely to be entrusted with leadership duties during the 50-over segment of the tour. Pandya previously led the T20I squad before the return of Rohit and Kohli earlier this year and is expected to resume his role in the T20I series.
Sri Lanka vs India T20I Series Fixtures:
1st T20I: July 26 at PICS, Pallekele, 7 PM IST
2nd T20I: July 27 at PICS, Pallekele, 7 PM IST
3rd T20I: July 29 at PICS, Pallekele, 7 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs India ODI Series Fixtures:
1st ODI: August 1 at RPICS, Colombo, 2.30 PM IST
2nd ODI: August 4 at RPICS, Colombo, 2.30 PM IST
3rd ODI: August 7 at RPICS, Colombo, 2.30 PM IST