Virat Kohli hints at unchanged XI for Pallekele ODI vs Sri Lanka

Virat Kohli on Wednesday said India are likely to play the same team that crushed hosts Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Dambulla when the two sides meet again at Pallekele for the second game of the five-match series.

Kohli-led India defeated Sri Lanka by nine wickets in the series opener which saw in-form Shikhar Dhawan smashing an unbeaten century. For the captain too, it was business as usual with an unbeaten 82.

"Wicket is similar to Dambulla so I don't see any reason to change the team just after one game but everything and any combination is possible," hinted Kohli on the eve of the second ODI. (Upul Tharanga urges Sri Lankan batsmen to be more responsible against India)

Kohli further said, "Hardik (Pandya) has ability to swing ball and he bowls consistently over 135kmph. (Jasprit) Bumrah is a strike bowler. Balance in who to use when."

India will once again be expected to be at their ruthless best when they take on a Sri Lanka, which has hit the nadir in both form and confidence, in the second one day international, at Pallekele on Thursday.

Such has been Sri Lanka's performance that supporters stopped the team bus demanding answers for a shoddy show. Chief coach Nic Pothas pointed out in no uncertain terms that all is not well within the team, indirectly pointing fingers at the interference from team manager Asanka Gurusinha.