India and Sri Lanka will get a trial run before their conclusive Asia Cup clash. Tuesday’s final league game is a chance for both sides to asses various factors. Dinesh Karthik is expected to open the innings in place of Virender Sehwag. Other than that, the rest of the team that defeated Pakistan should remain the same.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh who orchestrated the crucial win on Saturday, warned against complacency. “It’s an important game for us and as crucial as the final. We cannot afford to take this game lightly. If we perform well in this match, it will send a the message to the opponents that we are here to play good cricket and to win,” he said.
Barring the possible change at the top of the order India might not be tempted to make further alternations. Harbhajan noted that all the players in the squad were good enough and a final call on the combination will be made in the morning.
Harbhajan’s reliability with the bat has added teeth to the lower order. With Ravindra Jadeja unable to contribute consistently, M.S. Dhoni could be tempted to promote Harbhajan in the batting order. “I’m not an all rounder. I am a bowler who can contribute with the bat, Harbhajan said.