Team Sri Lanka won the toss for the first ODI and opted to bowl first as the skipper Shanaka explains his reason for the choice taken –
Dasun Shanaka: We are going to bowl first, because of the dew at night. It was a good boost, the way we played in the T20Is. Dilshan Madushanka is making his debut today.
Sri Lanka has provided a lucky call for debutant Dilshan Madushanka who gets his ODI cap and more importantly, will be playing against India, considering how important will be the games for the visitors on Indian pitches as the nation will also be hosting the ICC World Cup 2023 in a few months time.
Madushanka will come as a left-hand pacer for the visitors, and has played only 9 T20Is, which means that pacer has skills but still lacks experience which is a critical aspect when talked about the return of Big 3 of team India – Rohit, Virat, KL Rahul.
Talking about debutant Madusanka, Irfan Pathan during his commentary course with Jatin Sapru on Star network, expressed how veteran pacer Chaminda Vaas was tough to play.
Pathan stated that the former Sri Lankan legend will be happy to see a left-arm pacer debuting for his nation as he himself so tough to play.
“Chaminda Vaas boht khush honge ek left arm pacer ko debut karte dekh. Voh khud itna pareshaan karte the,” stated Irfan Pathan.