India’s tour of Sri Lanka is just weeks away and one could expect it to be a close contest. As a captain this would be the first biggest challenge for Virat Kohli and this is where he should really make a mark as an aggressive leader. When he took the charge as a full time skipper things didn’t go according to his plan as the Test match was ended in a draw due to persistent rain.
The first test match between India and Sri Lanka begins on August 12th. Let’s take a look at the possible playing eleven.
- Opening batsmen:
Murali Vijay has cemented his place as an opener with consistent performances both in home and away and he will make his place in the playing eleven. On the contrary, Shikhar Dhawan has been inconsistent and struggled a lot overseas and eventually lost his place in the playing eleven during the late end of the Australian tour. K.L Rahul who replaced him showed immense promise but unfortunately he couldn’t make the tour of Bangladesh as he was down due to illness and Dhawan made merry by scoring a solid 150. It seems to be a hard task for the Karnataka batsman to make the playing eleven as Dhawan was hardly troubled in sub-continent conditions. Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan are the likely openers for India.
- Middle order:
Middle order seems to be extremely strong with the likes of Virat Kohli and Ajinkiya Rahane and has been very consistent everywhere they plays. However, the real worry for India would be their no.3 batsman. A batsman of Pujara’s calibre can’t sit out who has been a solid performer for India over the years whereas Rohit Sharma struggled to get going in the Test arena with consistent poor performances.
- Wicket Keeper:
Wridhimaan Saha has always been a second choice keeper when MSD was in the playing eleven. After MSD hanging out his boots Saha has become the first choice keeper. Even though Saha didn’t cement his spot permanently Naman Ojha and Sanju Samson must be in the line to replace him.
- Spinners:
Ravichandran Ashwin has been a reliable spinner for India especially in sub-continent conditions and the veteran spinner Harbhajan singh has been recalled during the one-off test match against Bangladesh and it seems he would make his place again in the tour of Sri Lanka.
- Pace attack:
Virat Kohli, expressed his desire to play 5 bowlers during the Bangladesh Test series and one could expect the same ploy against the Sri Lankans. Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron comprises the pace attack.
Possible playing eleven for Sri Lankan tour:
Virat Kohli, Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Wridhhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Varun Aaron