The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released an updated schedule for the much-anticipated white-ball series against Sri Lanka, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs. The series is set to commence later this month, with matches being held at two iconic venues in Sri Lanka: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The revised schedule was announced on Saturday, July 13, via BCCI’s official social media platforms. The adjustments were made to accommodate logistical and scheduling considerations. The T20I matches are now scheduled for July 27, 28, and 30, all of which will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Following the T20Is, the ODI series will begin on August 2 and continue with matches on August 4 and 7 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Below is the revised schedule for the series:
| Match Type | Date | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | July 27, 2024 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium | Pallekele |
| 2nd T20I | July 28, 2024 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium | Pallekele |
| 3rd T20I | July 30, 2024 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium | Pallekele |
| 1st ODI | August 2, 2024 | R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo |
| 2nd ODI | August 4, 2024 | R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo |
| 3rd ODI | August 7, 2024 | R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo |
The Indian squad for the series has yet to be announced. However, it is anticipated that India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, will collaborate with chief selector Ajit Agarkar next week to finalize the roster. The squad is expected to see some significant changes, especially given the absence of several key players.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from T20Is, is also expected to miss the ODI series along with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. This paves the way for Hardik Pandya to step up as the new T20I captain, while KL Rahul is the frontrunner to lead the ODI side. Rahul, a 31-year-old Karnataka batter, has been an integral part of India’s ODI setup and previously led a second-string side to a series win over South Africa in December 2023.
The series will also provide an opportunity for other players to make their mark. Shreyas Iyer, who played a crucial role in the ODI World Cup 2023, scoring over 500 runs, is expected to return to the ODI squad after missing the recent series against South Africa. Additionally, it will be interesting to see how many players from India’s ongoing tour of Zimbabwe will be included in the squad for the upcoming matches against Sri Lanka.
For Sri Lanka, this series is an opportunity to redeem themselves after failing to qualify for the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup 2024 last month. The hosts will have a new head coach, former captain Sanath Jayasuriya, and a new T20I captain following Wanindu Hasaranga’s recent resignation from the position. The series will be a crucial test for the new leadership and an opportunity for Sri Lanka to give their fans something to cheer for.
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