India were humiliated by Sri Lanka in the first of three-match ODI series in Dharamsala on Sunday, and are hence trailing 1-0. Now, the Indian players, led by Rohit Sharma will be more than determined to level the series when they face the island nation at PCA Stadium in Mohali.
The Men in Blue batsmen need to apply themselves more in the second ODI and show that they can do without their run-machine Virat Kohli, who has taken a break ahead of the South Africa tour.
It remains to be seen if Rohit and the team management makes some changes in the playing XI. The middle order conundrum has been a major talking point and with the likes of Manish Pandey and Dinesh Karthik having failed once again, there is a serious need for the duo to score in Mohali. It would be unfortunate if debutant Shreyas Iyer misses the cut.
Washington Sundar might also be considered for the second ODI if the management decides to drop either of Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal. But, it looks less likely.
Adding Sundar will strengthen the batting department as well. Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead India in the pace department.
After a comprehensive win over India, Sri Lanka might not want to tinker with their winning combination. The visitors look like a well-balanced unit, with all departments of the game covered.
They will once again depend on the services of Upul Tharanga and Angelo Mathews with the bat while Suranga Lakmal will hold the key among the bowlers. But, if there is any spin on the track, Akila Dananjaya has all the ammunition to trouble Team India.
Pitch conditions
The playing surface at PCA stadium in Mohali could assist the seamers as there is some grass on the pitch. There will be good carry as well.
Predicted playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Sri Lanka: Thisara Perera (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Upul Tharanga, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Lahiru Thirimanne, Asela Gunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Akila Dananjaya, Sachith Pathirana
