Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has made his predictions for the ODI series to be played between India and Sri Lanka. He believes India has a better chance of emerging victorious than the hosts.
“My prediction is it will be 4-1 in favour of India. Sri Lanka’s bowling looks a little bit weak,” Gavaskar told NDTV.
The Test series was completely dominated by India as they whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0. It was a total mismatch in the Red Ball cricket but Gavaskar pointed out that Sri Lankan batsmen will be more comfortable against the white ball. “White ball will be easier for the Sri Lankan batsmen,” said Gavaskar.
The Sri Lankan side has been in turmoil after the retirement of the two stalwarts Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. They have been struggling to find personnel who can take the country’s legacy forward.
Sri Lanka were knocked out in the first round of the ICC Champions Trophy after losing 2 out of 3 matches. Then they suffered the most humiliating defeat in their cricketing history when Zimbabwe defeated them 3-2 in the ODI series.
Upul Tharanga, the new hope
Angelo Mathews resigned from the captaincy after the loss to Zimbabwe and Upul Tharanga was named the new captain for the ODIs. Gavaskar believes Sri Lanka can turn it around under Tharanga’s leadership.
“Upul Tharanga is a very good one-day player. Sri Lanka can re-invent themselves in the one-dayers,” he added.
The former Indian opener was also of the opinion to give Manish Pandey a place in the XI given his consistent run in the domestic circuit and also for the ‘A’ tours of India.
“Manish Pandey deserves a place in the side. He is an outstanding fielder. Pandey can only get better,” concluded Gavaskar.
India and Sri Lanka will take on each other in the ODI series starting 20th August at Dambulla. The ODI series will be followed by a one-off T20I.
