Join Jonhenry Wilson as he previews an exciting first T20 International in a series of three matches between India and Sri Lanka.
India, despite not achieving a clean sweep, dominated the recent ODI series and are poised to continue their strong form into the upcoming T20I battles against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka will be keen to turn their fortunes around, having not secured a T20I win since April – a challenging seven months that saw defeats to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in this shortest format.
Match Details:
India v Sri Lanka | Wednesday, 20 December | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack | 15:30
Match Odds to Win
India 1/5 | Tie 35/1 | Sri Lanka 7/2 *
*Please note these are forecast odds; final prices will be updated once the event is priced.
India Team Insight
India continues without Virat Kohli, with Rohit Sharma stepping in as stand-in captain for the limited-overs matches. Sharma must balance leadership duties with his role as a key batsman, just as he showed in the ODI series.
The squad sees fresh talent like Deepak Hooda, selected for his impressive IPL performances, while KL Rahul returns to show he’s not just a Test specialist.
New faces such as Washington Sundar, Basil Thampi, Jaydev Unadkat, and Mohammed Siraj strengthen the team. Sundar impressed on his ODI debut, and Siraj aims to bounce back after a tough T20I debut. Bumrah leads the pace attack in the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with Hardik Pandya’s bowling role again under spotlight in what’s been a busy year for the dynamic all-rounder.
The match venue, Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, is relatively new to T20 internationals, having hosted just one previous in 2015. India will likely play with three pace bowlers given the conditions.
Sri Lanka Team Insight
Sri Lanka has refreshed their squad considerably since the Pakistan series, recalling several senior players who previously missed tours due to security concerns.
Known for favouring all-rounders, the team includes Sachith Pathirana and Chaturanga de Silva. Star bowler Lasith Malinga is rested, and Suranga Lakmal is not in this line-up.
Kusal Perera returns from a hamstring injury and will compete for a spot in the top order alongside Sadeera Samarawickrama, Danushka Gunathilaka, and Upul Tharanga.
Though showing promise in Tests and ODIs, the Sri Lankan side, former World T20 champions, needs to elevate their game in this shortest format.
Sri Lanka is yet to play a T20I at Barabati Stadium but bring some ODI experience at this ground and players familiar with the pitch from the IPL.
Final Verdict: India 1/5
India’s momentum continues to build despite key absences, and they look set to maintain their dominance after overcoming a first ODI loss to push towards a series victory.
