Picture Credit: Twitter/@BCCI
The Indian cricket team is all set for its first assignment of 2023. Hardik Pandya and Co. will be taking on Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I on Tuesday at the Wankhede Stadium. With senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja not available, the responsibility falls on the young crop of Indian players. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, and Arshdeep Singh will be expected to play a crucial role throughout the series.
Also Read: Schedule, Dates of India vs Sri Lanka T20I series
As Hardik Pandya came out for the toss, he revealed the playing XI for the first T20I. Arshdeep Singh’s name was not on the list. While Pandya only said that Arshdeep was not available, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted an update about the young pacer’s availability. BCCI informed that Singh has not yet recovered from his illness and hence was not available for the 1st T20I.
“Note - Arshdeep Singh wasn't available for selection for the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka since he has still not fully recovered from his illness,” tweeted BCCI.
Meanwhile, with Arshdeep not available, Shivam Mavi got his debut cap. Shubman Gill was also handed his T20I debut cap. Talking about the toss, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka called it right and decided to bowl first.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
India (Playing XI): Ishan Kishan(w), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya(c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal