India vs Sri Lanka: Time to turn batting confusion into clarity

The last time India and Sri Lanka crossed paths in the Asia Cup, fans witnessed a one-sided spectacle that felt more like a demolition than a contest. Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 50 runs, the lowest total ever recorded in the tournament’s history. That game, however, belonged to the ODI format, and the script is slightly different this time around. The 2025 edition has shifted gears to the T20 format, and to add another twist, Mohammed Siraj, the architect of that unforgettable bowling display, is not part of the squad.

With Sri Lanka already knocked out of the competition, this final Super 4 encounter may appear to be a dead rubber on paper. But for India, it is anything but. With a high-voltage final against arch-rivals Pakistan looming large, this match offers the perfect chance to fix unresolved issues - most notably their unsettled batting order.

Batting Order or Musical Chairs?

India’s biggest concern throughout the tournament has been the lack of clarity in their batting positions. While openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill have provided stability at the top, the rest of the lineup has often looked like a game of musical chairs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has floated between positions, even sending himself as low as number 11 in one match. Shivam Dube was promoted to number 3 against Bangladesh but failed to make an impact, managing only 2 runs.

Sanju Samson has faced a similar issue - scoring a fluent half-century against Oman at number 3 but being pushed down to number 8 in the following games. Tilak Verma, too, has been shuffled constantly, moving from number 7 against Oman to number 4 against Pakistan, only to find himself at number 6 versus Bangladesh. This constant chopping and changing has left the middle order looking disjointed and inconsistent.

A Dress Rehearsal Before Pakistan

Sri Lanka might no longer be in contention, but they still provide India with a valuable opportunity. This clash can act as a dress rehearsal before the final, where batting order clarity will be vital. In high-pressure games, shuffling cannot replace structure, and without a stable middle order, India risks being exposed against Pakistan’s fiery bowling attack.

Simply put, this match is about more than just ending the Super 4s on a high. It’s about ironing out flaws, assigning responsibility, and entering the final with confidence. If India can find balance against Sri Lanka, they’ll walk into the summit clash not just with momentum, but with the assurance of being battle-ready.

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