The real World Cup countdown begins as India and Sri Lanka switch to ODI mode

BCCI first names, then pulls Bumrah out of squad as a precautionary measure; team management will focus on workload management even as it experiments to arrive at the perfect combination

With just nine months left for the 50-over World Cup, the real countdown begins for India with the three-ODI series against Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

India will host three countries — New Zealand and Australia being the others — for a three-match series against each at nine venues in the pre-Indian Premier League phase. While workloads will be closely monitored, one is certain to witness various experiments in this phase before a more settled unit fine-tunes itself in the final phase.

Even as captaincy changes hands with the switch in format, the home team will be inspired by the recent series victory, backed by some fine performances, over the islanders in the shortest version. Also, India has a better head-to-head record, including the win in the 2021 series in Colombo.

The return of two batting aces — captain Rohit Sharma (who injured his hand in the series against Bangladesh last month) and Virat Kohli — will be a huge morale-booster.

At the top, Shubman Gill is likely to pip fastest double centurion, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan because of his consistency. And, given K.L. Rahul’s ability to don the big gloves, Suryakumar Yadav may not find a place despite his dazzling T20 form.

All-rounder vice-captain Hardik Pandya will provide the crucial balance.