SL vs IND 2024: Why are Shubman Gill and Dilshan Madushanka not playing second T20I?

Shubman Gill (GettyImages)

After an enthralling series opener where India triumphed by 43 runs, showcasing a stunning batting display followed by an extraordinary comeback by the bowlers in the final stages, the second T20I between Sri Lanka and India will take place on consecutive days. The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is set to host another eagerly anticipated encounter on July 28, 2024.

Indian skipper and yesterday’s Player of the Match, Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss and opted to bowl first. He explained his decision by citing the overcast weather conditions and the likelihood of rain during the match. Yadav further justified his choice by noting that the pitch in the first T20I played true to the batters in the second innings. He expressed no concern about the DLS par score potentially coming into play in the second innings.

When asked about any changes to the winning combination from the first game, Surya mentioned that opening batter Shubman Gill would unfortunately miss out due to waking up with a neck spasm. His replacement would be Sanju Samson, who is expected to open the run-chase alongside the southpaw, Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, with Rishabh Pant still in the lineup, Samson would be utilized solely as a batter and a fielder.

“Bit of weather around. Wicket played really well in the evening in the second innings yesterday. We are not thinking about DLS. There are always areas to improve, you learn even if you win a game. One change; Gill misses out, woke up with a neck spasm. Sanju Samson comes in,” stated Suryakumar at the toss.

Sri Lankan skipper, Charith Asalanka, announced a straightforward change, with off-spinner, Ramesh Mendis, replacing left-arm pacer, Dilshan Madushanka. Despite taking Gill’s wicket in the previous game, Madushanka conceded 45 in his three overs, and wasn’t even entrusted on finishing his quota. Asalanka expressed confidence in Mendis, who interestingly returns to the T20I side after exactly three years, having last played against the same opposition on July 28 and 29. Asalanka noted that Mendis would be advantageous on the used surface, which should be beneficial for the spinners in general.

“Offspinner Ramesh Mendis replaces Madushanka. Don’t mind batting first. Our first three batters batted really well yesterday and the only concern is the lines of our bowlers. Use of spinner will be more in this used surface,” mentioned Asalanka at the toss.

Sri Lanka Playing XI:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Ramesh Mendis.

India Playing XI:

Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.