IND vs SL, India's likely XI vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2023: Will Team India Maintain Their Winning Streak?

Cricbuzzteam IND vs SL, Twelve years after India’s memorable World Cup victory in 2011 against Sri Lanka, they are set to face the islanders again in the 2023 World Cup. However, this encounter promises to be quite different from the past. While the 2011 World Cup final was a thrilling battle, the upcoming match seems to be skewed in India’s favor. India has maintained an impeccable record in the tournament, winning all their matches, while Sri Lanka has struggled to secure victories.

IND vs SL Match

India’s journey in the 2023 World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular. They have remained unbeaten in six consecutive matches, with their performances leaving fans and experts in awe. It’s hard to believe that just a month ago, India was reeling at 2/3 in the opening game against Australia. Since that shaky start, Rohit Sharma’s men have been on an unstoppable winning streak, courtesy of consistent bowling performances and exemplary displays in batting.

Despite a minor setback due to Hardik Pandya’s injury, India’s performance hasn’t been significantly affected. Mohammed Shami stepped up in style, picking up nine wickets in just two appearances. Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, however, understand the importance of preserving “Special Shami” for the more critical challenges ahead. They recognize that having Jasprit Bumrah in top form is essential to navigate the remaining obstacles in the group stage.

Hardik Pandya’s return remains uncertain, raising questions about how India’s younger players will perform. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer arrived at the World Cup with strong one-day records but have yet to make a significant impact on the tournament.

Gill, who missed the initial matches, has only managed one fifty since his return. His frequent “soft dismissals” have raised concerns. Despite his impressive record of 1,334 runs in 24 matches with an average of 63.52, he still lags behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar by 560 runs in terms of the most ODI runs in a year. Gill’s struggles against short-pitched deliveries have made him a target for opponents.

Similarly, Iyer has only scored one fifty in six outings and has occasionally missed the chance to play substantial innings to close out games. He will be motivated to put these shortcomings behind him as he plays a World Cup match at his home ground, the Wankhede Stadium.

Local players Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shardul Thakur share this motivation, aiming to create memorable moments in front of their passionate home crowd. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami remain a formidable force, while Siraj had a rare off day in the previous game against England and will aim to make a strong return.

Among spinners, Kuldeep Yadav remains as tormenting as ever while Ravindra Jadeja has proved lethal whenever called upon by the captain

As India faces Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup, they will be looking to continue their unbeaten streak and maintain their dominance in the tournament. The young talents like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer will be under the spotlight, eager to prove their worth. With a strong bowling unit and the support of the home crowd, India is well-positioned to secure another victory.