SL vs IND 2024: Three India bowlers who could come up trumps in Sri Lanka T20Is

SL vs IND 2024: Team India recently flew all the way to Zimbabwe to play five-match T20I series. Despite losing the first game, the young Indian side came up trumps in the next four games to win the series by 4-1. Meanwhile, the cricketing action shifts towards India's tour of Sri Lanka.

India's away assignment comprises three T20Is and as many ODIs. In fact, it will be Gautam Gambhir's first assignment as the chief coach and Suryakumar Yadav's first series as full-time T20I skipper of Team India.

For the record, the Pallekele International Stadium will be hosting all three T20Is while the R Premadasa will host all three ODIs. The tour kicks off with the T20I series, with the first game scheduled to be played on July 27, Saturday. The second and third T20I will be played on July 28 and 30 respectively.

Team India take the numero uno spot in the latest ICC Men's T20I ranking with 267 rating. Gautam Gambhir will expect his players to give absolutely everything to clinch the T20I series. Let's take a glimpse at the three India bowlers who could turn up the ante in Sri Lanka T20Is.

1. Washington Sundar: Washington Sundar emerged as a standout performer in the recently-concluded Zimbabwe T20I series, earning the prestigious title of Man of the Series. His exceptional bowling skills were on full display as he claimed 8 wickets, finishing as the joint leading wicket-taker of the series.

This stellar performance has undoubtedly boosted his confidence as he prepares to face Sri Lanka. With spinners traditionally playing a crucial role in Sri Lankan conditions, Sundar is expected to bring value to the table where he can contain runs and take key wickets. The Tamil Nadu-born took 42 wickets in 48 T20I appearances at an impressive economy of 6.95.

2. Ravi Bishnoi: As matches progress and the pitch at Pallekele Cricket Stadium begins to slow down, Ravi Bishnoi is expected to come up trumps in the game.

Bishnoi, with his sharp turn and deceptive variations, has already proven his mettle in the shortest format of the game, taking 42 wickets in 29 T20Is at an impressive economy rate of 7.18, including two four-wicket hauls. For sure, the slow pitch conditions will likely play to his strengths, enabling him to press his case and secure crucial breakthroughs.

3. Mohammed Siraj: Mohammed Siraj has a particular affinity for bowling against Sri Lanka. In the 50-over format, he has claimed 19 wickets and he brought the best out of himself in Asia Cup 2023 final when he registered 6/21.

However, in the T20I format, he has only played two matches against the Lankans, taking 2 wickets. As he looks to extend his dominance against the opponent in the shortest format, Siraj will be keenly aware of the favorable conditions at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium. The pitch here offers initial swing for fast bowlers, thanks to the fresh wicket, and Siraj will be looking forward to exploiting these conditions.