Danbulla, Aug. 15: India’s search for a win in the one-day tri-series received a further jolt with two key members of the side unavailable for selection for the important match against Sri Lanka here on Monday. Yuvraj Singh is down with dengue and Ashish Nehra has been hampered badly by a strain on his gluteus muscle.
“Yuvraj has dengue and will not be in the scheme of things for the game tomorrow, but he is out of danger. We are monitoring Ashish Nehra. He has got a problem with his gluteus. The decision will be taken before the game,” said Dhoni, on the eve of the game.
Having suffered a poor start to the series, the absence of key men would have been the last thing Dhoni and his team need now. Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma are expected to come into the playing XI. Dinesh Karthik, who was hit on the thumb during practice on Saturday, has been declared fit.
Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina have rejoined the team from India.
Team India have to plug quite a few gaps. The batsmen did not measure up to the conditions in the first match. The spin and fielding departments need to improve too. “I don’t think the spirit has been affected much. It was a disappointing loss. Hopefully we will turn up well and be prepared for the challenge,” said Dhoni.
The performance of Ravindra Jadeja was not to the mark and the team lack a solid batsman at seven, which is why the balance has been severely hit. Dhoni, however, felt the team is moving in the right direction as a fielding unit.
Barring the poor run of Tillakaratne Dilshan, the hosts have few worries. The disciplined side is reaping the rewards of good work ethics. The new pitch could play a touch slower and add to Sri Lanka’s advantage. Given the tight cricket they play, Kumar Sangakkara is not ready to read too much into the win over the Kiwis.
“We have just won one game, there are three more to go. So we are still a long way from even thinking of being in the final. Our job is to go out there and play good cricket tomorrow. And make sure we try and take advantage of the conditions,” said the Lankan captain.
New Zealand were restricted to 192, thanks to the attack that looks to have the right mix. Ajantha Mendis who played the first match could make way for Suraj Randiv.