The Indian limited-overs side will start their campaign against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, 18th July. The last time these two sides featured in a bilateral series was back in December 2017.
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In this series, the two sides are scheduled to play three ODIs followed by three T20Is in the span of 11 days. The series promises to be an exciting contest with the home team under transition and a new-look Indian side set to take the field.
On that note, let us take a look at the top three player battles for the series:
Shikhar Dhawan vs Dushmantha Chameera
The skipper of the Indian side will look to shoulder the responsibility and guide the young batting unit. He will be up against one of the experienced bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera, with the new ball.
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The right-handed fast bowler has been in sublime form, picking up 4/17 in the T20I match against England last month. High-arm action with the ball coming into the left-hander might cause plenty of concern for Shikhar Dhawan and the Indian team.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Dhananjaya de Silva
After making a comeback to the Indian side in the shortest format of the game against England, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be keen to prove his fitness in the 50-over matches.
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On the other hand, Dhananjaya de Silva, the vice-captain of the side, will look to anchor the batting innings. He was in prime form, scoring a well-compiled 91 in their last series against England. India's most experienced bowler will look to tackle de Silva with his ability to swing the ball into the right-hander and target the stumps.
Hardik Pandya vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga, the youngest player to take an ODI hat-trick on debut against Zimbabwe, will be one of the key players for the home team. A middle-order batter and an attacking leg spinner, Hasaranga will be crucial in the middle overs to dent the opposition.
For India, the inexperienced middle order will rely on Hardik Pandya to provide the team stability down the order. While he has been destructive against the spinners, the conditions on offer and the variety possessed by the 23-year old leg spinner will be challenging in the back end of the innings.