Down 0-1 in 3-match series, hosts might pick young TN all-rounder as conditions similar to Dharamsala follow them to Mohali
Not many were ready to buy this argument before Dharamsala One-dayer that Sri Lanka could pose a serious threat to India's unbeaten home run.
As Suranga Lakmal (10-4-14-4) exposed India's fragile batting line-up once again (after Kolkata Test) in seaming conditions, the Indian dressing room has been working overtime to find out solutions for similar prevailing condition in Mohali once again.
That's why almost all the Indian batsmen were seen practising against short balls. Shikhar Dhawan's entire emphasis was to try and get going pulling rising deliveries across with rolled wrists. His recent dismissals, in testing conditions, do point to technical deficiencies in tackling pacers.
However, one man who caught everybody's attention in the nets on Tuesday was the 18-year-old newcomer in the team from Tamil Nadu, Washington Sundar. The 6 feet one inch tall left-handed batsman was given an extended run in the nets under the watchful eyes of chief coach Ravi Shastri.
Washington was roped only four days back after Kedar Jadhav failed to get over his hamstring injury. His knock of 88 with the bat and 11 wickets with the ball in a match against India Blue, playing for India Red, earned him his maiden national call-up.
Though he bats left-handed, his fast right-arm flat off-spin bowling has been a hit in Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). He also has the distinction of scoring a hundred in TNPL last season, apart from good showing in the 2016 U-19 World Cup.
The weather here in Mohali suggests that it would be a challenge for the groundsmen to get the outfield ready in time for the game. Though, it did not rain on Tuesday, the soggy outfield suggests that without a good couple of hours' sun shine, it would be hard to have a full game here.
And that's why getting Washington into the groove makes sense for Team India. Having a T20 specialist for a possible curtailed game with the visitors 1-0 up, means that hosts must win to keep the three-match series alive.
This is not a new situation for India as the hosts were 0-1 down against New Zealand in October before winning the two remaining matches to clinch the series. But chances of playing Ajinkya Rahane, who has now officially been identified as ODI opener, looks remote.
On the other hand, Lakmal-led attack would love to play in conditions (read windy) similar to Dharamsala again. Sri Lankan pacers put on a brilliant exhibition of seam bowling to skittle India for 112, barring the exception of old war horse Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Sri Lankans seem to be experimenting successfully with their batting order. Bringing in Angelo Mathews at No. 4, a slot ahead than his usual position, paid off well. But more than his batting, it was his bowling that made a difference in the visiting team's fortunes. His first strike, trapping Shikhar Dhawan in front, showed to way to his bowlers.
Mohali wicket may have slowed down over time now but it could be conditions similar to those of Dharamsala that may force both teams to be wary of batting first. The last time India played an ODI here, against New Zealand in October 2016, Kohli starred with an unbeaten 154 as the hosts chased down a 286-run target with seven wickets in hand.
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