The 1st Test of the two-match series between India and Sri Lanka is all set to begin in Galle on August 15. After nine years, India are back to engage Sri Lanka in the longest format in their own backyard.
India have not lost a Test series to the islanders since 2008 and never lost a Test match since 2015. The last time they met in a Test series in 2022, India whitewashed them 2-0 and the last time India came to Sri Lanka for a Test series in 2017, they whitewashed the hosts 3-0.
Long Road Ahead for Shubman Gill’s Men
The upcoming series is crucial for India when it comes to the . India have nine Tests left to finish second and two of them are in this series. With matches against New Zealand and Australia to come, wins here are needed to build momentum. On paper and in strength, India would be the overwhelming favourites. But legendary batter has a word of advice for the tourists.
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The Legend Has Spoken
Gavaskar’s warning is simple. He wants India to put the team before the individual no matter how big the name. He said only then could India function as a cohesive unit and it was necessary that they performed as a team first and not rely on individuals alone. He added that it’s that belief of being one team along with effort and luck that shall help the Indian side dominate the Sri Lankans in their own den.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Warning for Team India
“The two-match series in Sri Lanka won’t be easy, as Sri Lanka at home are a formidable team. Winning both these Tests would be a good start to the new Test season, as well as give the team the impetus it needs to qualify for the WTC Final. To be able to do so requires loads of effort and also some luck but, above all, the belief that Indian cricket should be the priority and not any individual, however big a name he may be,” Gavaskar wrote in Sportstar.
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How Will This Series Impact India’s WTC Impact?
If India beat Sri Lanka 2-0, their PCT will rise to 57.58 but there shall be know change from their ranking of 5th on the WTC Points Table. Bangladesh will stay fourth with a PCT of 58.33. But should the series be drawn 1-1, India’s PCT will be 48.48. They will not go down as far as position is concerned because Sri Lanka’s PCT will be 44.44, and that is not enough to rise up. But should India be whitewashed 2-0, then their PCT would drop to 39.39, and Sri Lanka’s would jump to 61.11. This would give Sri Lanka the 4th spot. India’s campaign will still have life but a 2-0 loss would hurt them badly since the next two series are vs New Zealand and Australia. If India lose 1-0, Sri Lanka will climb to fifth spot with a PCT of 50.00. India win 1-0, they will remain in fifth position with a PCT of 51.52.
India Face Challenge in Sri Lanka’s Den
India are resuming their WTC campaign after almost nine months. The game vs Afghanistan in June does not count as Afghanistan are not part of the WTC. Their last series in the WTC campaign saw South Africa humble them 2-0 on Indian soil. India now have to put it behind them and resume their winning ways. Sri Lanka are not the strongest opponents but on home soil, they can be a handful. By Auguat 27, we shall know which side is standing tall or if the honours are being shared.