India were outplayed by Sri Lanka in the first T20 in Pune, where the home batsmen failed to cope with the Lankan bowlers, who made full use of a green pitch. India lost the match and Sri Lanka, as a result of which, took a 1-0 lead.
With two more matches to play in the T20 series, India still have a chance to clinch the three-match contest. But, they need to come up with better cricket when the teams square off at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi for the second T20.
India batsmen such as Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and the rest will be keen to deliver in Ranchi against the inexperienced, but quality, Lankan bowlers.
Here is a look at key players from both sides for the second T20 in Ranchi
India
Suresh Raina: The left-hander has always been one of the most important players in the shortest format of the game for India. Raina was the second highest runscorer in the first T20, but he needs to shoulder more responsibility in the second match and not play reckless shots to give his wicket away. Irrespective of the openers' -- Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan -- performance, Raina needs to lend that solidity in the middle order and carry his bat through to the end the innings and help India register their first victory in the series.
Ravindra Jadeja – With India having suffered on a pitch, which assisted the fast bowlers in Pune, the 22 yard strip in Ranchi is expected to favour the spinners. Hence Jadeja, with his left-arm orthodox, can play an important role in the second T20. With Ravichandran Ashwin set to be the biggest threat in such conditions, Jadeja will have more chances of taking wicket as the Sri Lankan batsman may play it safe with Ashwin, and attack the left-arm bowler.
Sri Lanka
Kasun Rajitha – The pacer, who made his debut against India, was the most impressive, taking two wickets in his first over. He will be keen to come up with a repeat performance against India in Ranchi as well, though he is not expected to receive as much help from the pitch in the second T20. However, Rajitha must have gathered plenty of confidence from the first T20 and he will target another impressive spell in the second T20 against the Indian batsmen, who were troubled with his tight line and length. There will be pressure, though, on the bowler to deliver again after an amazing start to his T20 career.
Chamara Kapugedera – The right-hander is one of the most experienced players in the Sri Lankan team in the series. He scored an important 25 runs in the first T20 to help the visitors scale India's paltry score of 101 runs. With players such as Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella, who can score quick runs, at the top, Sri Lanka need batsmen like Kapugedera, who can contribute as per the requirement of the team. He may not be a naturally-aggresive player, but he has it in him to go after the spinners as well as the fast bowlers.
