What do you say about a Test series that doesn't create any ripples even though it involves the number one ranked team in the world? Even before it commenced, the series was brushed aside as a David versus Goliath contest. India had swept the three-match Test series in Sri Lanka barely three months ago. A repeat Test series, that too in India, has been welcomed with an apathy that rings louder than the build-up by the host broadcasters on television.
To make matters worse, rain seems to have decided to play spoilsport in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With showers predicted on the first two days, the series might not get off to the best of starts.
The series was finalised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of the more eagerly awaited India's tour to South Africa, when a window opened up due to the absence of cricketing ties with Pakistan. It is Sri Lanka's first full tour to India in eight years. The BCCI heartily welcomed the islanders in November-December instead of February-March, when it has agreed to be part of the Independence Cup series that Sri Lanka plans to host.
The last time the neighbours came visiting, was in 2009. India were on top then, too, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the helm. Sri Lanka were undoubtedly a better side, boasting of greats like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan. These names are history now and the current crop led by Dinesh Chandimal is struggling to fill the huge void left by these legends.
Meanwhile, India have a problem of plenty. The Virat Kohli-led side boasts of one of the finest bowling attacks in recent times. Pacers Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar give Kohli plenty to choose from. India have been on a winning spree since 2016 and the only opposition that gave it a tough fight, were the Australians, who, early this year, beat India in the first of the four Tests, but lost the series 2-1.
Sri Lanka face a humongous task of changing its dismal record in India. They have never won a Test match in India—they have lost 10 and drawn seven. Eight of the 10 have been innings defeat. The current team's batting unit lacks the pedigree of the past—its key batsmen are Dimuth Karunaratne and Chandimal, both of whom average under 40 in Tests. Its most experienced player—all-rounder Angelo Mathews—has returned to the side but is coming off an injury.
Lanka's bowling revolves around the ageing Rangana Herath, who has 405 Test wickets to his name. But he will be bowling against a side whose batsmen have not found him too threatening and have successfully negotiated him in the past—he has 11 wickets in three Tests in India.
While Sri lanka lost all three Tests at home to India, it tasted success when it subjected Pakistan to its first series defeat, in UAE in October this year.
Hosts India will regroup for the Test series at home in a positive frame of mind. Skipper Kohli has little to worry about barring deciding on his opening combination, queered by the return of Shikhar Dhawan. Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha have been amongst runs in domestic cricket. The top and middle order tends to pick itself. The only major point to ponder will be to go in with five bowlers or four. The Sourav Ganguly-led Cricket Association of Bengal is unlikely to dish out a rank turner. With the possibility of a lively wicket (like the one New Zealand got in 2016), heavy rains and moisture in the covered wicket, an extra batsman could well be on Kohli's mind.
It makes the return of the spin-duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, interesting. Will they both make it to the playing XI or will it be only one?
But first and foremost, both the teams will be wishing for the rain gods to show mercy and let the game begin. But, with the way things are, even the toss at its scheduled time of 9am looks doubtful.
