In the much-anticipated World Cup 2023 match between India and Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan team won the toss and decided to field first.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his confidence in batting first, citing the pitch’s initial assistance and the favorable conditions expected under the lights. Sharma, leading the Indian team on his home ground, emphasized the importance of not getting carried away by previous performances, maintaining focus on the game ahead.
Would have batted first, good pitch to bat on. Obviously some assistance to start with but under lights there will be good assistance for our pacers. Great honour, great moment to lead the team (first match as as Indian captain at home ground). It’s important for us to no get carried away by the performances we put in. Same team as the last game.
Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis revealed the team’s strategy to bowl first, anticipating better batting conditions in the second half. He praised his team’s recent efforts and expressed hope for a continued strong performance. The only change in Sri Lanka’s lineup was the inclusion of Hemantha, with DDS not playing in this crucial encounter.
We are going to bowl first. I think the pitch will be better for batting in the second part. Everyone did their best in the last few games. Hopefully they will continue to do the same today. One change, DDS is not playing, Hemantha is playing.
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
