IND vs SL, 2nd T20I: India looks to seal series as forecast of rain looms large in Dharamsala
The HinduThe last two international fixtures at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium - against South Africa in 2019 and 2020 - had been washed out. With the T20 World Cup lined up later this year, the Indian team management, under the watchful eyes of head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, aims to create a core unit. At the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Ravindra Jadeja returned to action, with Rohit indicating a fit Jadeja will continue to bat higher up the order as the team is ‘very clear’ with what it wants to “achieve with him in white-ball cricket.” With a seasoned campaigner like Jadeja back in the scheme of things, it also provides an immense boost to the bowling department. Despite having Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah in its ranks for the opening game, the Indian team opted for debutant Deepak Hooda and Venkatesh Iyer. In the absence of key spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, the visiting team failed to make an impact in the opener and ahead of the key clash, skipper Dasun Shanaka needs to ensure the players understand their duties and execute plans well against a superior opponent.