CUTTACK: With the World Cup next year, the five-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka starting at Barabati Stadium on Sunday will be the last opportunity for the teams to fine-tune plans and preparations. Both will focus on bench strength and finding out best prospects for the vacant slots.
In the absence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and leading pace duo Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami, the world champions will go in with a depleted side under Virat Kohli. But this means opportunities for Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Wriddhiman Saha, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron. World Cup 2011 runners-up Sri Lanka, who are without Lasith Malinga and Suranga Lakmal, spinners Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath, will also look to unearth a few good ones.
India will be in a favourable position. Kohli & Co are familiar with conditions. India A’s 88-run win in the practice match against the Lankans should further boost their morale. The sides are evenly-matched when it comes to head-to-head record at the Barabati Stadium. Sri Lanka beat India by 36 runs in 1990, but India avenged it with seven-wicket victory in 2009.
Shikhar Dhawan and Rahane are likely to open. According to former Test opener Shiv Sundar Das, the left-right combination will be ideal. “Rahane is in good form and Dhawan is better than Murali Vijay in limited-over games,” opined Das.
He expects big knocks from Kohli and Suresh Raina, who will play his 200th ODI. “Kohli has overcome his lean period with a century and fifty against West Indies. Raina has been consistent. In the absence of Dhoni, Raina will play an instrumental role in chasing a big total,” felt Das.
India are likely to play three pacers and two spinners. According to former India quick Debasis Mohanty, Ishant and Umesh should be automatic choices and Dhawal Kulkarni will be a better prospect than Varun Aaron. “Kulkarni will be more effective in the conditions here,” he said.
“Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin will also be automatic choices. Amit Mishra and Axar Patel might get chances in the later part,” felt Mohanty, the head coach of Odisha. Leading the side will be added responsibility for Kohli, but Das felt the batsman can handle that.