India tour of Sri Lanka: Sanjay Manjrekar delcares, ‘SL series won’t affect T20 World Cup plans’

India tour of Sri Lanka: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the upcoming India tour of Sri Lanka will not affect Virat Kohli and Co much for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue will square off in three ODIs and as many T20Is against the Lankans, having sent a young squad with most of the senior players currently unavailable while on tour in England. Shikhar Dhawan will lead a team India side that features several IPL stars and also those who are desperate to make a comeback into the scheme of things.

Speaking in a virtual press conference by broadcaster Sony Sports Network, former cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Team India has a set plan for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Many believe the India tour of Sri Lanka to be a launchpad for players to get into the side, but Manjrekar opines that there is no room and Team India are unlikely to make wholesale changes barring one or two slots.

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India tour of Sri Lanka: Sanjay Manjrekar said, “The T20 World Cup squad is somewhat finalised. India’s T20 team is in a good space. This will be India’s strongest T20 World Cup squad. The series won’t be a game-changer, only a reaffirmation. One of the biggest talking points has been what will be Team India’s opening combination for the event, with Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul all fighting for a single spot.”

The India tour of Sri Lanka will see Shikhar Dhawan open, along with Delhi Capitals teammate Prithvi Shaw, with Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad also options after impressive performances in IPL 2021. Manjrekar believes should Kohli open the batting, Suryakumar Yadav will be a good fit at No. 3. The former cricketer said, “Rarely seen somebody bat like this for a whole season. At No.3 he can hit even the good balls for fours.”

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The India tour of Sri Lanka also gives the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Manish Pandey a comeback after blowing hot and cold in the chances they have received. Manjrekar conceded, “There is a lot of batting talent in the country. Manish Pandey has not been consistent. There is no one else to be blamed.” As for Kuldeep, the commentator added, “With Chahar, Chahal and Varun in the side, his work is cut-out.”