Before the start of the T20 series, India were expected to, not just beat Sri Lanka, but thoroughly dominate them in all three matches. Then came the Pune debacle on a green wicket that India will not get at the World T20.
So, showing why India are considered the favourites to win the T20 World Cup title with wins in the remaining two matches of the series against Sri Lanka was a must.
On a Ranchi wicket that was low and slow, India put in the perfect all-round performance, with the batsmen scoring the big runs, before the bowlers completely shut out any hopes of a Sri Lanka chase.
That was followed by complete and utter domination in Visakhapatnam. India are a ridiculously-difficult team to cope with when the ball is turning, and the young Sri Lanka team found that out the hard way as R Ashwin took complete charge.
The nine-wicket win, which helped India clinch the series as well, was as good a statement as India could have made in their final official match at home before the World T20. This team, with the conditions in their favour, are unstoppable. This team, with the conditions even remotely tilted to their side, are near unstoppable as well.
While it is easy to wax lyrical and get carried away with India's outstanding performances in the last two matches against Sri Lanka, there is also the fact that this was a Lankan team shorn of their superstars – Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga. A Sri Lanka team still struggling for their identity post the retirements of two of their greatest ever players – Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
So, an Indian win was always a foregone conclusion, even after that Pune nightmare. But what should please MS Dhoni and the rest of the Indian band members is the manner in which those final two matches were won. Not for one moment did India look in trouble, and if they continue along the same lines, a final at the Eden Gardens should come their way soon.
"We are always a top contender when it comes to shorter formats," India captain Dhoni was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "Also with the World Cup to be held in India we know the spinners will come into action. It gives us the added benefit.
"Also the exposure of having played the IPL over here. Out of the eight seasons, we have played seven seasons in India. We have got a lot of players, especially ones who are the part of the team, who have got very good experience of playing in India.
"All of that will definitely count, but what the shortest format really does is, it narrows down the difference between the two teams. What you have to do is keep the big hitters out of the game. Also, the knockout games, you have to be at your best. Once the knockout stage starts it is more like lottery cricket.
"To be consistent is something that is very important."
Before that, however, there is the small matter of the Asia Cup T20 in Bangladesh. Beating their fellow Asian sides, particularly Pakistan, will only build more confidence for this India side, who, the way they are playing at the moment, look really good for another title tilt at home.
