India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah in focus - Top three player battles

After the first match at Guwahati was washed out, India and Sri Lanka are all set to lock horns in the second T20I in Indore. The pitch is expected to be a superb one for the stroke-makers and as such, the task will be cut out for the bowlers. The last time India and Sri Lanka met at the Holkar Stadium here, in December 2017, Rohit Sharma’s 43-ball 118 powered India to their highest T20I total—260/5—with the team winning by 88 runs.

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Here in this article, we take a look at the 3 key player battles which might define the course of the match.

Lasith Malinga vs KL Rahul

Malinga is the leader of the side and will take control of the new ball. It is now a two-match affair and hence, no side would want to slip. KL Rahul, on the other hand, has been a prolific run-scorer for India in this shortest format and has found success in the IPL against Malinga. However, the Sri Lankan skipper is a wild old fox and with his bag of tricks will be a difficult proposition for India’s batting order and hence, KL Rahul has to take charge of proceedings.

In 2019, Malinga has picked up 14 wickets in 10 T20Is at an average of 17.92 and with an economy rate of 6.43.

Washington Sundar vs Danushka Gunathilaka

Washington Sundar has enjoyed himself against Sri Lanka - he averages 14.20 against them and has an economy rate of 5.91. Also, he keeps a lid on the left-handers owing to which, Virat Kohli will throw the new ball to the off-spinner in the initial powerplay overs. Danushka Gunathilaka has been in good run-scoring form for Sri Lanka which makes this contest a very interesting prospect.

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Jasprit Bumrah vs Kusal Perera

India’s pace spearhead is back. He has the X-factor and he has always dominated this format. However, making a comeback from injury is not always easy and this is why the spotlight will be firmly on Bumrah and how he shapes up after the injury break. Kusal Perera, on the other hand, tends to score quick runs against India and this contest in the middle and death overs could determine the course of this contest.