Explainer: After Galle, now preparations to conquer Colombo! Know how the Sri Lankan team can get trapped in the maze of these 5 Indian players

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IND vs SL: The Indian team is currently playing a 2-Test series on Sri Lanka tour. In the first Test match played in Galle, Team India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the series. Now the second test match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from 23rd August. By winning this match, Team India will not only win the series but will also get points for the World Test Championship (WTC). At the same time, host Sri Lanka will be eyeing to win this match and end the series on a draw. So let us try to know in this article which Indian players can trap Sri Lanka in the Colombo Test and make Team India win the series.

Devdutt Padikkal has consistency and solid technique against spin

Devdutt Padikkal played a big inning of 167 runs in the first innings of the Galle Test and kept Team India ahead in the match from the very first day. He proved with this inning that he can spend a lot of time at the crease and can play a long innings. Padikkal is a tall batsman. When Sri Lankan spinners like Prabhat Jayasuriya weave their web of spin on the turning pitch of Colombo, then Padikkal's use of his feet will become his main weapon.

Although the pitch of Colombo is considered favorable for batting, but then batting becomes difficult on the third and fourth days. In such a situation, if Padikkal remains at one end, then Team India can take a mental and runs lead over Sri Lanka in the first innings. Padikkal, a left-handed batsman in the middle order, will help in continuously disrupting the lines and lengths of the Sri Lankan spinners, making it difficult for the opposition captain to set the field.

Manav Suthar can become a threat to Sri Lanka on the turning track of Colombo

Indian team's 24-year-old young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar created a sensation by taking a total of 10 wickets in the Galle Test. He broke the back of Sri Lanka by taking 4 wickets in the first innings and 6 wickets in the second innings. Now Suthar can prove to be the X factor for Team India in the Colombo Test also. Traditionally at the SSC ground in Colombo, the spinners start getting a lot of help from the third day.

Manav Suthar's biggest strength is his ability to bowl the ball continuously at the same ball. When the cracks open on the Colombo pitch, it will become impossible for the Sri Lankan batsmen to differentiate between Suthar's straight and turning balls. Due to the dry soil of SSC, it becomes rough as the game progresses. In such a situation, Suthar will use these rough patches to force the Sri Lankan batsmen to drive and can create opportunities for catches at slip or silly-point. At the same time, due to his flight and change in pace, Suthar will force the Sri Lankan batsmen to play on the back foot only.

Rishabh Pant can defeat Sri Lanka in the match with his counter-attack.

Rishabh Pant is the biggest 'game changer' in modern Test cricket. His explosive inning of 66 runs in the second innings of the Galle Test did not give Sri Lanka any chance to make a comeback in the match. Pant is known for his attacking batting. He is seen hitting strange shots on the field. If Sri Lankan spinners try to dominate in Colombo, then Pant can completely spoil their length by coming out of the crease or playing reverse-sweep. Due to this, Sri Lankan captain Dhananjay de Silva will be forced to make continuous changes in fielding.

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If Rishabh Pant stays at the crease for a few hours, then he changes his gear and plays an explosive innings, due to which Team India can score a big score soon and then India will have enough overs and time to bowl out Sri Lanka in 2 innings. On a pitch that favors spinners, the role of the wicketkeeper is like that of the 5th bowler. By sensing the turn and bounce on the balls of Suthar and Jadeja, Pant will capitalize on the opportunities of stumping and catching, which can change the entire course of the match.

KL Rahul is expert in playing according to the circumstances

KL Rahul plays more restrained and suits the conditions. If the fast bowlers get some help in the initial period on the SSC pitch, then Rahul's strong defense will save Team India from initial setbacks. He is adept at playing the ball late and spending time on the wicket, which will make the task easier for the batsmen coming later on the turning track. KL Rahul is well aware of the pitches of Sri Lanka and the strategies of its spin bowlers. Rahul can rotate the strike against spinners like Prabhat Jayasuriya by using sweeps and late-cut shots, due to which the spinners will not get a chance to bowl on the same line continuously. If Team India has to score a big score in the first innings, then KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to give a good start to the team. Rahul will have to play a big innings, so that the Indian team can take Sri Lanka away from the match.

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