Why are Shubman Gill and Dilshan Madushanka missing the second T20I between Sri Lanka and India in 2024?

The second Twenty20 International between India and Sri Lanka will be played on successive days following an exciting series opener in which India won by 43 runs, displaying a spectacular batting Shubman Gill outburst followed by an incredible bowling comeback in the closing moments. On July 28, 2024, the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium will play host to another highly anticipated match. Sanju Samson, who is anticipated to start the run chase alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, the southpaw, would take his spot.

When questioned if the winning lineup from the first game would alter, Surya said that opening batsman Shubman Gill would regrettably be sidelined since he would be experiencing a neck spasm.  However, Samson would only be used as a batter and a fielder while Rishabh Pant remained in the starting lineup.

After winning the toss, Indian captain and Player of the Match for the previous day, Suryakumar Yadav, chose to bowl first. He cited the cloudy weather and the possibility of rain during the game as justification for his choice. Yadav provided more support for his decision by pointing out that the first T20I’s pitch was accurate for the hitters in the second innings. Regarding the possibility that the DLS par score would be relevant in the second innings, he had no concerns.

“There is some weather here. Yesterday evening during the second innings, the wicket performed incredibly well. DLS is not a concern for us. Even when you win a game, you still have room for improvement. One thing changed: Gill woke up with a stiff neck and missed out. Then Sanju Samson enters,” said Suryakumar during the toss.

Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka, confirmed a simple change: off-spinner Ramesh Mendis will take Dilshan Madushanka’s place as the left-arm pacer. Even though Madushanka removed Gill from the game earlier, he gave up 45 runs in his three overs and wasn’t even allowed to complete his quota. Mendis, who remarkably makes his T20I comeback after precisely three years—he last played against the same opponents on July 28 and 29—is regarded highly by Asalanka. Mendis would be useful on the utilised surface, according to Asalanka, which should help the spinners as a whole.

Also Read: Will Gambhir, Suryakumar consider Sanju Samson or Shivam Dube? Possible India-Sri Lanka 2nd T20I XIs

Madushanka is replaced by offspinner Ramesh Mendis. It’s okay to bat first. The only thing that needs to be worried about our bowlers’ lines is how well our first three batters batted yesterday. “Spinner use will be increased on this used surface,” Asalanka said during the toss.

Sri Lanka Playing XI:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Ramesh Mendis.

India Playing XI:

Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.