Preview, 2nd T20I: India aim to wrap up the series

Indore, December 21: A dominant India will be eager to maintain its stranglehold on Sri Lanka and wrap up the three-match T20I series when they face off in the second match in Indore on Friday (December 22).

There seems no end to the woes of the visitors, who slumped to a heavy 93-run defeat in the series-opener in Cuttack.

While the Indian youngsters have put their hands up to deliver the goods, the Lankans are going through a terrible phase of transition during which they are badly in need of reliable performers.

The Indian batsmen have made merry against a toothless attack. Runs and wickets always give confidence to the players but there is a question mark over how much these performances will count in the South African conditions.

Absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan has not given any respite to the Sri Lankans, who overtly rely on seniors such as Angelo Mathews.

However, even the senior Lankan players have struggled to counter the Indian bowlers and batsmen. A robust domestic structure coupled with Indian Premier League (IPL) has prepared a good bench strength for the hosts.

Players such as Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have managed to carve a niche for themselves immediately after making their international debuts.

Sri Lanka need captain Thisara Perera, Upul Tharanga and Mathews to lead by example. They have been part of the side for long and only strong performances by them can infuse life and hope into this dejected side.

India does not need its best team to prevail over the current Sri Lankan combination, yet it is imperative that they keep performing well.

They may not get big credit for success but failure against weaker opponents would surely put them in negative light.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose finishing prowess has been under the scanner for some time now, got some runs under his belt after being promoted to number four in Cuttack and is likely to continue in the same position so that he gets enough overs in match situation before the ODI and T20 challenge in South Africa.

Shreyas Iyer, who scored 24 in Cuttack, would also look to get some substantial runs in the absence of Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan.

KL Rahul is in good touch and Indian bowlers are also in fine rhythm since the beginning of this tour. It won't be a surprise if they continue to dominate Lanka.

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