In the first match of the bilateral Test series being played between India and Sri Lanka, the Indian team performed strongly and registered a spectacular victory. Under the leadership of captain Shubman Gill, Team India showed its dominance in every department. However, despite maintaining the winning streak, some strategic changes may be seen in the playing eleven of the next Test match. Keeping in mind the pitch and workload management of the next match to be held in Colombo, the team management is seriously considering two important changes.
The nature of the pitch and workload management became the reason for the change.
The temperament of the pitches is quite different during the Test series in Sri Lanka. While the Indian fast bowlers and leading spinners played their roles well in the first match, it is considered necessary to maintain balance in the team combination considering the nature of turn and bounce in the next venue.
Due to playing matches continuously, the coach and captain also pay attention to the fitness and rotation policy of the fast bowlers. Instead of putting excessive pressure on any player, the Indian team management is adopting the strategy of testing the bench strength and trying bowling and batting options as per the conditions.
There may be a major reshuffle in the bowling attack
The Indian team currently has many talented bowlers in the squad. After the brilliant performance in the first match, there is a discussion in the fast bowling department to try the young fast bowler present as a backup along with Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
If the pitch is less likely to provide support to the fast bowlers, then Saransh Jain as an additional spinner or Gurnoor Brar in the pace attack can be included in the playing 11. The spin bowling coach had also made it clear during the practice session that all the players are fully prepared for the match and the final decision will be taken after inspection of the pitch.
Eyes on middle order and all-rounder slots also
In the batting order, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant have shown their excellent form. Despite this, the team management may consider giving a chance to an in-form batsman like Sarfaraz Khan to further strengthen the middle order.
If the team management wants additional batting depth lower down the order, a spot in the playing 11 may be freed up to include an all-rounder or additional specialist batsman.
Aim to strengthen the lead in the series against Sri Lanka
For captain Shubman Gill, making a clean sweep in this series is very important in terms of ranking in the World Test Championship (WTC). The Sri Lankan team has the capability to make a comeback on its home ground at any time, hence the Indian camp is in no mood to show any laxity. India's priority will be to enter the field with the right team combination and balanced eleven.