India look to draw level and keep T20 series alive

Indians were taken aback by what skipper Mahendra Singh had described the Pune track as “English”. Now that Dhoni will be playing in his own backyard before his home fans, he can hope to get a typical sub-continent wicket at a ground, which is hosting its first ever Twenty20 International. 

India have not lost a game out of three one-dayers played here and runs in the vicinity of 300 have been scored in three innings. One match against Australia had no result. But largely, a high-scoring game can be expected at JSCA International Stadium Complex. 

But there are concerns about under-prepared outfield where the fielders are expected to have a tough time. The JSCA officials have argued that they got less time to prepare the ground and as a result many rough patches can be seen on the bald sand-based outfield. 

Sri Lanka, with many inexperienced players in the side, have nothing to lose and will go all out to seal the series. 

However, the job is easier said than done since the Indian batsmen are in good form and will be difficult to contain on a batting track. The Sri Lankan pace trio of -- Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera and Dasun Shanaka -- made a good impression on a lively track but they will be tested in Ranchi.

 In Australia, where India won 3-0, the Indian middle and lower order hardly got a chance to bat, courtesy supreme form of the top-order batsmen.