Dunith Wellalage has been a top performer for Sri Lanka in Asai Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
The 2023 Asia Cup is just one game away to witness it champions. The main event blockbuster will see the defending champions, Sri Lanka, feature in an enthralling battle against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The awaited clash will begin at 3:00 PM IST, Local Time.
Sri Lanka have been superb in the ongoing competition. They topped the charts in the group stages, initiated the Super Fours with a convincing victory against Bangladesh. It was followed by their only defeat in the competition that came against their upcoming opponent- India. However, the team's morale wasn't at all affected as the Dasun Shanaka-led unit bounced back with a nail-biting win against Pakistan in the must-win assignment, thereby securing a spot in the final.
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On the other hand, India were the side to beat in the coveted event until their last game against Bangladesh where they failed to close the margin within the stipulated overs. Although five of their first-choice players were not participating, Indian contingent would look to rectify the negatives from the game.
Rohit Sharma and his men were governed by rain-interefered clashes for quite some time in the mega-event. Their first game against Pakistan was a washout while their next game against Nepal saw the side chasing a dls target of 145 runs. The Super Fours kicked off with a blast after the Rahul Dravid-coached unit enforced an emphatic victory against arch-rivals, Pakistan. In their following game, India outfoxed Sri Lanka in a tricky defense followed by a loss in a dead-rubber against Bangladesh.
With a scintillating fixture on the cards, a vivid view regarding the fantasy team and its strategic choices is also indispensable. Hence, we shall magnify the best captaincy and vice-captaincy choices for the upcoming clash between India and Sri Lanka.
Asia Cup Final: SL vs IND- Venue Analysis
There are several strips used for play in the R. Premadesa Stadium in the ongoing Asia Cup. But most of them have behaved sluggish in the recent games played here. Spinners have enjoyed bowling in the surfaces while Seamers have found healthy lateral movement with the new ball. The cutters and other slower ones have been quite decisive too. The conditions haven't quite favoured the batters to a greater extent. Yes, runs have been scored but it is important for the batters to take their time and play sensibly.
Asia Cup Final: SL vs IND- Toss Factor
Without an iotta of doubt, toss is going to play an important role in the final. There have been no dew and the surface has favoured the team batting first on most occasions. Although Sri Lanka chased a total against Pakistan recently, arrival of rain played a crucial part there. It eased the conditions for batting to some extent.
Scenario: If IND wins the toss
India might bat first if they win the toss. Rohit Sharma stated in their last game against Bangladesh that they wanted to test themselves by batting second under lights. This clearly meant that the priority in this ground was to bat first. Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav or Kusal Mendis can be a good option for captain or vice-captain then.
Scenario: If SL wins the toss
Provided the batting depth, Sri Lanka possess, they should be fancying a chase. In addition, they would be without Maheesh Theekshana's services, so, defending a total against the likes of India would make little sense. As cited above, Kohli, Kuldeep or Kusal could be a good option for such scenario. Even, Kusal Perera can add good value.
Asia Cup Final: SL vs IND: Top Captain and Vice-captain choices
If India bats first
Virat Kohli (IND)
Indian batters have been below par in the knockout games in the past few years. But if there's an odd one out in this list, it has to be the King himself. King Kohli is a big match player and he loves to bat under pressure. With form in his side, the former Indian captain can be a force to reckon with.
Kuldeep Yadav (IND)
The left-arm wrist spinner has bucketed nine wickets so far in the tournament and is the leading wicket-taker for India. He has been the primary wicket-taker for the Men in Blue during the middle overs. The last time when the Lankan Lions faced the Uttar Pradesh-based spinner, they had no answers to Kuldeep's querries. Hence, he can be a vital choice for captain or vice-captain if India is defending a total.
If SL bats first
Kusal Mendis (SL)
The vice-captain of the hosts have already notched up two nervous nineties. And the best part of all is that both innings came in a must-win game for Sri Lanka. One against the Afghan Atalans while the other one came in their latest task against Pakistan. Once again, when it matters the most, Kusal may rise to the occasion.
Hardik Pandya (IND)
The all-rounder is one of the MVPs of the Indian side. He is a clutch player and loves challenges. Pandya was impressive with the ball in India's last few games and has gelled a big score against Pakistan earlier. When the big time arrives, the 'big match player' in Hardik Pandya may do some wonders with either bat or ball.
Asia Cup Final: SL vs IND: Big Risk, Big Return Choice
Dasun Shanaka
The Sri Lankan skipper is yet to prove his mettle in the ongoing competition. Shanaka has been off-colour with the bat especially. Although he has been bowling in the last couple of games and delivering for Sri Lanka, a match-winning knock off the willow is due from the all-rounder.
 "Arijit Kundu")
