The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka is finally set to begin from July 18 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The tour of Sri Lanka is historic in many ways for India as the visitors will be playing with the Indian team. India is missing the services of key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and many more.
In the absence of the above players, a lot of cricket fans and analysts have backed the stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan and all-rounder Hardik Pandya to deliver some exceptional performances. However, former Sri Lankan batsman Russell Arnold surprised everyone by naming his X-factor in the Indian team.
during an interview with Hindustan TimesArnold backed young opener Prithvi Shaw to differentiate between India and Sri Lanka during the limited overs tour. The Sri Lankan legend believes that Shaw could create a surprise for the cricket fraternity by outdoing everyone in the Indian camp. For Sri Lanka, Arnold named Avishka Fernando as the player to watch out for.
After a stellar performance in the Indian Premier League for Delhi Capitals, Shaw will return to the competition against Sri Lanka. The youngster grabbed headlines during IPL 2021 with his charming strokeplay and ability to hit every ball out of the park.
Arnold also opened up on the debate surrounding BCCI sending the Indian side of the second line to Sri Lanka. Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga had started a discussion in the cricket fraternity saying that playing against India B was an insult to the island nation. Notably, most of the main Indian players have traveled to the United Kingdom to participate in the five-match Test series against England.
When Arnold was asked to express his views on the India B team, the veteran conceded that India had good bench strength. Arnold also believes that the Indian team that toured Sri Lanka consists of a handful of experienced and notable cricketers.
“I just get jealous that they are cricketers in India. We have seen him play in this team as well. We have seen the quality they bring. Shikhar Dhawan, Pandya, spinner Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav also have a lot of experience. There are so many exciting possibilities,” concluded Arnold.
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