IND vs SL | 1st Test | Match Preview, Predictions, Fantasy XI

After three T20Is between India and Sri Lanka, the bandwagon now moves to Test cricket for a two-match series, scheduled to start on March 4 at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.


As the drums are set to roll for Virat Kohli's 100th Test, India would aim to make the outing a memorable one as a great servant of the game steps onto the field tomorrow and etches another record and his name in the history books of cricket. 


Talking about the side's recent form, they last lost a Test series against South Africa in quite a shocking manner. The upcoming matches mark a start of a new era in the red-ball format as Rohit Sharma is now the leading man of the team. Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara's exclusion from the squad paves the way for a new generation of cricketers to grab their respective spots in the playing XI.


India's bowling unit has always been a strong suit in their home turf. Notably, Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the South Africa series due to an injury, is likely to feature in the XI. Kuldeep Yadav was a rather surprising addition to the squad but can take the field, considering conditions in Mohali and spin lately being Sri Lanka's Achilles heel.


On the other hand, Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka boasts of a great record in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle but the sample size is too small to take much out of it. Having won 2 games against the West Indies, Sri Lanka are placed at top of the points table with a win percentage of 100.


However, the side's recent record does not brush off their poor performance in the format since their greats bid adieu to international cricket. Dimuth Karunaratne has been their only consistent batter however the experienced duo of Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews has flickered. 


The bowling unit as well does not pass on much confidence but their spinners can be effective if Mohali produces an untraditional turning track. Interestingly, Sri Lanka is yet to register a Test win in India.


Match Details - India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test

Date: 4th March 2022

Time: 09:30 AM IST

Venue: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh

Broadcast: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD, Disney+ Hotstar


Pitch Report: Pitch of I.S. Bindra Stadium, Mohali has something on the plate for everyone. While the pacers will extract help from the surface in the morning sessions, spinners are likely to come into play as the match progresses. Batters can also trust the nature of the pitch and score heavily.


Squads:


India

Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jayant Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat, Umesh Yadav, Saurabh Kumar, Priyank Panchal.


Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhanajaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne.


Probable Playing XI:


India

Rohit Sharma (c), Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami.


Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Lasith Embuldeniya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara. 


CE Fantasy XI: Rohit Sharma, Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Virat Kohli, Kusal Mendis, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Jeffrey Vandersay.


Captain: Rohit Sharma

Vice-captain: Ravichandran Ashwin

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Watch: Indian greats extend wishes ahead of Virat Kohli's Landmark Test

Former Indian greats Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid extended their wishes to Virat Kohli, who will be featuring in his 100th Test match in Mohali, due to commence on Friday (4th March). Kohli will become only the 12th Indian cricketer to play 100 Test matches and is slated to achieve this feat at the iconic IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, against their old rivals Sri Lanka. In a video shared by BCCI on Twitter, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar said: "I remember the first time I heard about you was when we were in Australia in 2007. You guys were playing the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia and that's when there were certain players in the team who were discussing about you. This is one player to watch out for, achhi batting kar leta hai (he can do good batting)". President of BCCI, Ganguly admired the contribution of the ex-Indian skipper and stated: "Virat has had a great journey. Starting from 10-11 years ago and getting to where he has reached, is an exceptional achievement. On behalf of BCCI, and also as a former captain and a former cricketer who has played 100 Tests and more, I wish him all the very best." Nawab of Najafgarh, Virender Sehwag rhymed a few words of praise for Kohli as he said: "Mein toh kehta hoon. Haazme ki goli, tyohaar mein Holi aur batting mein Kohli, poore Bhaarat ko pasand hai". VVS Laxman also came up with a few good words for Kohli and said: "To represent India at the highest level is a great matter of pride for any cricketer and to do that for 100 matches is an incredible achievement. congratulations Virat on this very very special achievement and i am sure you must be very proud of the way you have played this very game." And finally, the present head coach of Indian cricket team, Rahul Dravid lauded the ‘Chasemaster’ and mentioned: "To be able to play one is great, to be able to play 100 is a fantastic achievement. It's an achievement Virat Kohli can be very proud of". The crowd will be there to cheer Virat Kohli on accomplishing his 100th Test match milestone. BCCI has allowed 50% crowd capacity to gather in the iconic IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali following the Covid-19 SOP. The former Indian captain will achieve this feat under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.