India vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview: Kohli and Team look to extend Winning Run

After thrashing the hosts in the initial game, the visitors will look to dominate Sri Lanka once again when they will play the 2nd ODI at Pallekele International Stadium on Thursday. Last time these two teams met in Pallekele, KL Rahul equaled a world record, Hardik Pandya smashed her first ever international ton and India won the game by a huge margin.

Kohli won't want to tinker the batting unit which went untested because of a mammoth 197* run stand between Shikhar Dhawan and the skipper himself. Rahul, who did not get an opportunity to come out and bat, will be willing to prove his potential at the crucial number 4 spot. Jadhav batting at number 6 has been playing a significant role with the ball as well. His off-breaks have proved vital at times for India. Pandya at 7 will be playing an important finishing role. 

Kohli would like to play with the same bowling unit as well considering just one change - we might see Kuldeep Yadav if the wicket is too dry in place of a seamer. The Chahal-Axar combination did well for India in the first game.  

There have been questions raised about Sri Lanka's team selection process. 

No wonder why did Sri Lanka not play Dinesh Chandimal, who is one of the most experienced and skillful batsman in this current Sri Lankan side in the first match. Maybe Sri Lanka would look to recall Chandimal in the 2nd ODI to strengthen the batting unit. 

Debutant Vishwa Fernando came out with a few blinders at Dambulla, but his match-haul did not speak for it. Sri Lanka might consider replacing Fernando with the more experienced Dushmantha Chameera while the left arm all-rounder Milinda Siriwirdena can be experimented in place of the inconsistent Thisara Perera. 

Not sure why was the skipper Upul Tharanga batting out of his comfort zone at number 4 when he is an opener for Lanka. His inability to hold the innings together resulted in a major collapse in the middle order which was a root cause for Sri Lanka's loss in the first ODI.

Time is running out for Sri Lanka, having only 4 matches in their bag. If Sri Lanka do not win at least 2 matches out of the remaining 4, they will gift a direct entry in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 to the Windies. 

Sri Lanka's former captain Angelo Matthews did not find any support at Dambulla. A simple solution to this will be when Kusal Mendis and Kapugedera start contributing to the score board. Sri Lanka need the 200 ODI old Lasith Mallinga to perform at his level best. The yorker king, might not be as sharp as he was but yet he can surprise the opponent when he gains his form back. 

Overall, with the 30 September deadline nearing, the 2011 World Cup runners up would want a direct entry to the 2019 World Cup which might be enough to see a close contest on Thursday. 

Cheers,

Sparsh