Exciting Preview: The Second Test encounter between India and Sri Lanka kicks off on 24 November.
The opening Test in Kolkata was heavily impacted by the rain, which played spoilsport. India struggled with their first innings performance, while Sri Lanka demonstrated their stronger hold in the longer format compared to limited-overs cricket.
With clear skies forecast for Nagpur over the five-day match, both teams will have a brilliant chance to stake an important claim in this three-match series. India face the task of adjusting their playing XI, whereas Sri Lanka will probably stick with the same squad.
Match Details: India vs Sri Lanka | 24 November – 28 November | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium
Match Odds to Win
India 7/20 | Draw 7/2 | Sri Lanka 13/2
India
India will be missing Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, both sidelined due to personal reasons. Expect Murali Vijay to step in at the top while Ishant Sharma will fill the bowling slot left by Kumar. Vijay Shankar joins the squad but is unlikely to feature in the main playing XI for now.
Unlike traditional pitches prepared by India, the green wicket at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium mirrors conditions aimed to give players valuable experience ahead of overseas tours, including the upcoming South Africa trip.
Ajinkya Rahane’s lacklustre start in Kolkata has raised concerns. The talented batsman aims to expand his range of strokes but must first master the fundamentals. A steady half-century would boost his confidence and benefit the team.
While Virat Kohli continues his ascension in ICC rankings, Ravindra Jadeja’s form has dipped. Jadeja must deliver either with the bat or ball to justify his place, especially with Ravinchandran Ashwin already included as an all-rounder.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has never contested a Test match in Nagpur, and India have a dominant home record at the ground, losing only once. If victorious at the toss, skipper Dinesh Chandimal should opt to bowl first again. Bowlers Lahiru Gamage and Suranga Lakmal impressed with their opening spells and could be major threats once more.
Sri Lanka’s batting faltered in the first Test, but they are on an improving path compared to their last Test series in India. Interim coach Nic Pothas will draw positive confidence from the team’s spirited play over five days in Kolkata.
Angelo Mathews’ return is a massive bonus, bringing experience and leadership beyond just his batting capabilities. However, top-order openers Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dimuth Karunaratne must provide a solid foundation. Their combined score of under 40 runs across four innings in the opener needs to improve sharply.
Final Word: India 7/20
Sri Lanka battled bravely amidst tough conditions in the opening Test, but they are unlikely to replicate the success they had versus Pakistan earlier this year. India looks set to seize a crucial series lead.
