India vs SL: Swot Analysis of the Men in Blue

A new captain and new coach spearheads the new-look India outfit in a limited-overs contest against Sri Lanka starting Sunday (July 18). The series will comprise of three ODIs and as many T20Is against the island nation whose team is going through a rebuild of sorts.

Led by Shikhar Dhawan, the series will serve as the first mode of preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup that has already created headlines on Friday (July 16) for its grouping.

The players part of the contingent will get some ample game time against Sri Lanka before moving to the next level. The IPL 2021 which hit the pause button, will resume in September later this year.

Ahead of the start of the series, we take a look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. At the moment, the strengths clearly outweigh any chinks in the armor, but only time will tell how the side fares.

---

Team India's strengths

#1 Not a second string unit.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a second string unit. There's enough experience in the form of Dhawan, Hardik Pandya, Manish Pandey, Kuldeep Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar who in a way are fighting to stake a claim and make their case for the T20 World Cup.

The young blood in the squad get a chance to prove their mettle and will be keen to see what they can do against Sri Lanka. Many of these players were rewarded for their performances in the IPL and domestic tournaments and will be keen to continue their good vein of form.

#2 Rahul Dravid at the helm

Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid are as different as chalk and cheese. The latter has had stints as a coach and has tasted victory in key tournaments. His managerial skills will boost India as they will surely adopt a novel approach going into the tournament.

---

Team India's weaknesses

#1 Lack of big names

With the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and the pace battery of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav in England, India head into the series with key names missing out.

This might just be the motivation Sri Lanka need on to take India on and a spring surprise on their home turf.

Team India: Opportunities

#1 A chance for India's young guns to make a mark

Playing against a side that is going through a transition, the series serves as the perfect platform for the young players in the side. Prithvi Shaw, Devdutt Padikkal, Chetan Sakariya, and Nitish Rana will be eager to carpe diem and create an impression.

#2 Keeping their track record against Sri Lanka intact.

In the 159 ODIs that both sides have played against each other, India has been a more dominant side winning 91 of them. Sri Lanka has won 56, while 11 games have yielded no result. India will be keen to maintain the winning run.

---

Team India: Threats

#1 Complacency

The side cannot afford to get complacent should they manage to get the better of the opposition. The fact that they are playing in Sri Lanka gives the hosts the advantage of playing in their own backyard and the side will know their conditions better. A false move could hamper the chances of cementing a solid victory.

#2 Injuries and COVID-19

While injuries are not new, the young unit will have to be wary of sustaining or aggravating injuries that may dent their chances of making a case for the future. With India set to play plenty of cricket in the days to come, they will be at risk of missing out should they get injured.

The pandemic is still ravaging the world and that was the primary reason behind the halting of the IPL. It still serves as a major threat.