India who won the first ODI of the five match series against Sri Lanka will be looking to extend their lead when they take on the hosts in the second One-day International Tuesday at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota, says a report in The Hindustan Times.
The previous match witnessed two outstanding centuries by new Indian vice-captain Virat Kohli and veteran Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara.
Kohli who has scored three consecutive hundreds against Sri Lanka will be looking to capitalize on his form.
Sri Lanka have suffered a major blow in the form of Nuwan Kulasekara who injured himself while attempting to take a catch, he is replaced by Nuwan Pradeep.
India will have a massive advantage going into the match as the number one swing bowler from Sri Lanka, Nuwan Kulasekara is out of the series because of injury, reports Deccan Herald. Kulasekara suffered a groin injury and won’t take part in the remaining match.
India will once again be backing Kohli to put up a solid performance. He has scored four centuries in his past five innings and has started a season on a high.
Another positive for India is Virender Sehwag, Sehwag played a solid knock and looked good after showing some early jitters.
Meanwhile, The Times of India report says that it is not very likely that the Indian team management will make any changes to the playing eleven for today’s match.
For India, the main concern will be Kumar Sangakkara’s form. Sangakkara made 133 in the last innings. Other than him Dilshan and Sri Lankan captain Jayawardene can provide the much needed boost to the team.