Asia Cup 2022, Super 4, India vs Sri Lanka Preview : After failing to defend a big total against Pakistan in their first Super 4 encounter, India will be seeking balance in their bowling department in a must-win game against Sri Lanka on Tuesday (September 6) in the Asia Cup. The five-bowler plan backfired against the Men In Green in Dubai and now Rohit Sharma has to get the best out of their thin bowling resources.
With Avesh Khan unwell and Men In Blue in desperate need of a win against Sri Lanka, it won't come as a surprise if the management brings in standby bowler Deepak Chahar to the main squad.
With three left-handers in Sri Lanka's top 6, India might also feel tempted to include off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the Playing XI. If that happens, Yuzvendra Chahal, who has taken only one wicket in 3 matches this tournament, might have to make way.
Meanwhile, wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant might also get the axe. It was visible during the game against Pakistan that captain Rohit was livid with the southpaw for throwing his wicket away at a crucial juncture of the game. However, in his absence, the Men In Blue's batting will be without a left-hander, barring Arshdeep Singh who will be the last man in that lineup.
Also read: Asia Cup 2022 Super 4 points table
To address that, India could also bring in Axar Patel in place of Deepak Hooda. While Axar will bring even more variety to the bowling department, India might also look at recalling Dinesh Karthik into the Playing XI, given how they dearly missed the services of a finisher in the previous match.
Also read: Asia Cup 2022 full schedule and match results
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are high on confidence after notching a superb win in their previous two matches. However, Charith Asalanka's lean patch has been a big headache for the Islanders.
On the eve of the match, captain Dasun Shanaka hinted that Asalanka could make way for all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva.
While talking to mediapersons, the Sri Lankan captain also heaped praise on senior batter Virat Kohli, who has been India's leading run-scorer in the ongoing Asia Cup.
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R Ashwin, Ravi Bishoi, Avesh Khan/Deepak Chahar.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka/Dhananjya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
India and Sri Lanka will lock horns on September 6, Tuesday.
India vs Sri Lanka Super 4 match will begin at 7:30 PM IST.
Star Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the Asia Cup. Fans can watch the matches on Star Sports 1 HD/SD and Star Sports 1 Hindi.
Disney+Hotstar will live stream the Asia Cup matches.