India are back in action on the cricket field as they take on Sri Lanka in a limited-overs tour of the island nation. The series features five one-day internationals before a one-off T20 match will be played. The first ODI is scheduled to be played on Saturday in Hambantota.
Indian players have had a good two months of rest after the Indian Premier League as well. On the international circuit, captain MS Dhoni has vowed to make a strong comeback after their wretched run last year.
India had a troubled time in Australia in the triangular series as well as the Asia Cup, failing to reach the finals in both tournaments. A tough and hectic season awaits them as, following this series, they play New Zealand, ICC World T20, and then host England and Pakistan by the end of this year.
Sachin Tendulkar, the ace batsman, has opted out of the current tour as he continues to pick and choose the ODIs he plays. Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag make welcome comebacks after injuries had kept them out of cricket last season.
Sri Lanka have home advantage that has usually worked in their favor against India.
They also won the recently-concluded ODI and test series against Pakistan while sharing the spoils in the test matches.
Mahela Jayawardene is confident of a good performance by his team as they look to establish themselves firmly ahead of the World T20 in home conditions in September.
The 15-man squad sees the inclusion of Isuru Udana. Udana has featured in six T20 matches for Sri Lanka but is yet to make his ODI debut.
Rangana Herath and Chamara Kapugedara are the other players to make their way into the squad. Paceman Dilhara Fernando misses out of the squad that Nuwan Kulasekara and Lasith Malinga spearheading the pace attack.
The match will be played at Hambantota that hosted four matches of the World Cup last year.