India has won the toss and elected to bat first in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, Galle. For India, the all-rounder Hardik Pandya is making his Test debut. The Baroda-born all-rounder has impressed one and all with his indifferent performances in recent months.
On the other hand, Shikhar Dhawan has replaced KL Rahul, who is down with the viral fever while Mohammed Shami has returned to the team.
For the hosts, who will be led by Rangana Herath in Dinesh Chandimal’s absence, Danushka Gunathilaka is making his Test debut. The left-handed batsman had top-scored with 74 in the two-day warm-up game between Sri Lanka Board President’s XI and India.
Here Is What The Captains Said:
Virat Kohli:
“We are gonna bat first. Looks like a nice surface. Putting runs on the board is a nice thing. KL is down with the flu, Dhawan steps in place of him. Shami Umesh Jadeja, Ashwin with Hardik as the all-rounder. Last time we thought we were a batsman short, this time we are trying a solid combination. Hardik is a wicket taker and he gives us the much-needed balance for the side.”
Rangana Herath:
“I would have batted first. It’s a good track and I want to restrict them to a low score and take it on from there.”
World number one Test side India will start the game as favourites against their seventh-ranked opponents. But at the same time, Virat Kohli & Co. should not get complacent, as Sri Lanka can always spring a surprise in the backyard.
The island nation had thrashed Australia 3-0 last year and recently defeated Zimbabwe by chasing down the highest-ever total in Asia.
Here Is The Playing Eleven of Both The Teams:
Sri Lanka:
Dimuth Karunaratne, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath(c), Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep
India:
Shikhar Dhawan, Abhinav Mukund, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami