The second T20I game of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is underway with the Lankan Lions put in to bat first after losing the toss against Suryakumar Yadav-led side.
India won the first T20I game on Saturday by a comfortable 43-run margin. Yashasvi Jaiswal and vice-captain Shubhman Gill helped India get to a blistering start after losing the toss and posting a massive 213 runs on the board in the process.
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However, the opening pair will not feature in the second T20I game between the two sides with the vice-captain Gill sidelined due to a possible injury.
After winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav announced the changes from the previous game, explaining the reason behind Gill’s absence from the playing XI.
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What did Suryakumar say about Gill’s absence?
Surya revealed that Gill had a spasm in his neck and would be replaced by their second wicket-keeper, Sanju Samson. Samson was a part of the Indian squad that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and the West Indies. However, Samson did not feature in a single game throughout the tournament.
We will look to bowl first. There is a bit of weather around and the wicket played better in the second innings. There are always areas to improve even when you win a game, you keep learning and you keep improving. Gill misses out as he woke up with a neck spasm, Samson comes in
Gill’s minor injury serves as a golden opportunity for Samson who is yet to prove himself on the international stage for the Men in Blue.
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India’s playing XI vs Sri Lanka for the 2nd T20I clash
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj.
If India manage to win the game on Sunday evening, they will clinch the T20I series 2-0 with a game left.
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