IND SL T20 Series: IND vs SL 2nd T20 – India ticked majority of boxes in their first T20 win against Sri Lanka, but three big issues still remain for the Hardik Pandya-led side. With a new-look T20 side, India survived a huge scare from Lankans in the first game. Bowlers managed to hold their nerves and defended a 163 runs target by just two runs. The hosts will next face Sri Lanka in the second T20 on January 5, and three big concerns still haunt the Pandya-led team. What are concerns let’s find out. Follow IND vs SL Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
The first major issue is fitness for Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder gave management and Indian fans a massive scare when he hobbled off the field holding his calf. Pandya could not complete his quota of four overs as well. Another huge concern is whether Shubham Gill is an ideal candidate for T20s as an opener. The GT batter scored a sedate 7 in the first T20. The third concern is using of Sanju Samson in the team.
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IND SL T20 Series: India wins 1st T20 but 3 BIG concerns still haunt Hardik Pandya’s team: Check DETAILS
IND SL T20 Series: Will Hardik Pandya be fit for the second T20 – Persistent back issues have dented Pandya’s career but looks like the latest calf injury is not serious as the all-rounder spoke during the post-match presentation that it were just cramps.
“It is just cramps. Now I have a tendency to scare people. I did not sleep well, did not drink enough water and hence the glutes were stiff.”
However, Gautam Gambhir feels India needs to quickly identify a backup for Hardik. “They need to quickly identify a backup for Hardik; if something happens to him, India will be in serious, serious trouble,”ESPNcricinfo quoted Gambhir as saying on ‘Road To World Cup Glory’, a show on Star Sports that will be aired in full after the first T20I between India and Sri Lanka.
IND vs SL: IS Shubman Gill the right choice for the T20 opener? – Shubman Gill goofed up with his chance in his debut T20 game as he scored just 7 runs. While the 23-year-old is not expected to lose his place, there will be pressure on him to do well. The likes of Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad are waiting for an opportunity. Seniors Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul also remain in the hunt. However, Gill is likely to be backed throughout the series and he will hope to repay the faith in the games to come.
IND SL T20 Series: India wins 1st T20 but 3 BIG concerns still haunt Hardik Pandya’s team: Check DETAILS
The curious case of Sanju Samson – All eyes were on the Kerala wicketkeeper batter in the first T20I against Sri Lanka. All Samson could do was score just 5 runs with the bat. Worst, he looked completely at sea in the field as he dropped a simple catch and midfielded numerous times. With Ishan Kishan set to don wicketkeeping gloves, Samson’s batting position and his usage in the team will bother Hardik Pandya.
In the first T20I, the Kerala batter walked in at number four, will he be continued in that role, or Pandya plays him as a finisher in the second T20I will be remains to be seen.
IND SL T20 Series: India wins 1st T20 but 3 BIG concerns still haunt Hardik Pandya’s team: Check DETAILS
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