Three opening combinations that Team India can try against Sri Lanka in the T20I series

 

 

In the recently-concluded home series, team India had an impressive run in the T20Is against West Indies. After defeating them by 3-0 in the one-dayers, they got the better of their opponents by the same margin in the T20I series as well. West Indies ran them close in a couple of games but, ultimately, India were the better side.Team India has already begun preparations for their next assignment – a home series against Sri Lanka, which begins with the first of three T20Is in Lucknow on February 24.

 

Let’s see the three combinations team India can try our against Sri Lanka.

 

1. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan

 

Both of them added 64 in 7.3 overs in the first match but Rohit was the dominant partner, hammering 40 in only 19 deliveries. Kishan hung around for a few more overs but never looked in control. He was eventually dismissed for a labored 35 off 42 balls. In the second faceoff, Kishan again failed and was dismissed for 2 off 10, the opening partnership lasting under two overs.

 

Among the options available, Kishan looks the best bet provided he is in form.

 

2. Rohit Sharma and Venkatesh Iyer

 

Venkatesh Iyer did a commendable job for Team India as a finisher in the T20I series against West Indies. But he has proved himself to be an opener as well in the T20 format. He came to prominence in the second half of IPL 2021, opening the batting for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and leading the renaissance for the team with his fearless batting approach.

 

Rohit and Iyer can give India a right-left combination at the top of the batting order.

 

3. Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad

 

In the third T20I against West Indies, Team India opened with Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The partnership however did not last long as the latter was dismissed for 4. However, it was only one innings and Gaikwad deserves a longer rope to prove his worth at the T20I level. He is without a doubt one of the most talented young batters in the country.Gaikwad impressed everyone with a spectacular showing in the IPL 2021 season for Chennai Super Kings, claiming the Orange Cap by amassing 635 runs. He hit four centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, three of them in consecutive matches.

 

Gaikwad can find the gaps with appropriate cricketing strokes and hit over the top as well in the powerplay. He deserves a few chances to prove that he can translate his domestic and IPL form into international success as well.