Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Time: January 3, 2023 at 7 PM local time
It is possible that scheduling a T20 bilateral series at the beginning of a 50-over World Cup year may not seem like a logical choice, but it is possible that the decision was based on commercial considerations rather than the effectiveness of the series for the sport of cricket. While it is open to debate whether the Future Tours Programme (FTP) could have been better planned, it is important to consider the commitments that the regulating body may have made to its broadcasters. Generating revenue is always a crucial factor.
Even though the series may be driven by commercial considerations, it should not be dismissed as insignificant. The Indian cricket team, with a new captain and a relatively inexperienced side, is still in the process of development and the team management has much to analyze and plan for. The three-match series against Sri Lanka and the upcoming series against New Zealand later this month can serve as an opportunity for the team to begin preparing for the T20 World Cup in 2024.
As the T20 World Cup is still over a year and a half away, this series can also provide an opportunity for the players to clarify their roles on the team. The captain and coach can observe how each player performs in various situations and fulfills the tasks assigned to them. It can also give Hardik Pandya a chance to demonstrate his skills as captain, which were the subject of much discussion before his appointment was recently confirmed. In summary, the series can help establish a path forward for the team’s overall development.
On paper, the T20I series between India and Sri Lanka, which begins on Monday, appears to be a mismatch between the top-ranked and eighth-ranked teams. The statistics also support this, with India holding a 15-4 advantage in head-to-head matches and an impressive 11-2 record at home against Sri Lanka. Additionally, Sri Lanka has never won a T20I bilateral series in India.
Despite these statistics, it is worth noting that the Sri Lankan team, led by Dasun Shanaka, recently pulled off a surprise victory in the Asia Cup by defeating a full-strength Indian team on their way to the final in the United Arab Emirates. This shows that anything can happen in the T20 format, and the Sri Lankans are likely hoping to gain some insight into the conditions they will face during the 50-over World Cup later this year. As such, it would be unwise to take their chances of success for granted.
Record Book:
– Sri Lanka have never won a bilateral series against India in India.
– Yuzvendra Chahal has enjoyed good success against Sri Lanka picking 20 wickets in ten T20Is against them at an average of 15.65.
