Planet "M"

Although both teams have topped the charts from their respective groups, it’s reasonably fair to say Sri Lanka had the rather easy group to step out: defeating South Africa and New Zealand in the Group matches after batting first, restricting Netherlands to 39 was not an apt surprise.

On the other hand, Indians very tactically advanced their Group challenge: took it one-at-a-time, did the homework acutely well and successfully muted key opposition players, like Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, Shakib Al Hasan and Shane Watson respectively!

Jayawardene and Sangakkara poses for a selfie

Sri Lanka who qualified into its third straight ICC World Cup final, have the best opportunity to bring laurels home as their two legendary batsman Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sanagakkara would appear one-last time in front of international T20 audience to call it a day! The firm character Lankans have shown throughout the tournament made it pretty obvious to pick them up as one of the best. However, their Indian counterparts stand quite ahead of them comparatively!

On paper both teams look equally balanced, though, share a mutual problem in the opening-slot.

Sri Lankan top order’s consistent failure in every match with two wickets down in first 6 overs while batting first, the struggle of Sangakkara in the middle order is yet to end. Nevertheless, the composure of Ajinkya Rahane in the Indian top order is vastly complementing.

With likes of Tilakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera coupled with Lasith Malinga, Rangan Herath and Ajantha Mendis in the bowling department, presence of Jayawardene and Sangakkara in the middle order define volumes in the Lankan line-up!

On contrary, Indians, too, have phenomenal performers in Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin who have successfully gone through the litmus test of under pressure.

Yuvraj and Kohli poses for a selfie

When it comes to the middle – order, India, again, hold a smooth edge. There is, of course, a lot of Virat Kohli as compared to Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka. But Yuvraj looks distinctively better with the bat than off-color Kumar Sangakkara!

Apparently the bowling department is a major difference between these two sides where Sri Lanka will definitely like to bank on high, given the ability of Lasith Malinga in slog overs; the only concerned area for Indian skipper MS Dhoni since no one is restraining well there.

All in all, it would be really interesting to see how Sri Lanka would cope with the Finals’ challenge this time – their 2nd against India after the 2011 Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai and 3rd overall in World T20.

Considering the momentum and form factor, Indians are favorites to win for. Whereas Sri Lanka need to do something really special to utilize all the resources right that are not gelled enough well.

Another thing that could boost India’s chances is playing conditions and familiarity with the ground as they have played all their matches in Dhaka whilst Sri Lanka made a shift from Chittagong for the knockouts. But this factor seemed to have minimal effect, since it will be a final encounter and match pressure would play a pivotal role in determining a champion. And the one who holds the nerves better will get more chances to celebrate at the end!

Sehwag and Kohli accelerated the Indian innings against Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI at Hambantota, 2012

Sangakkara and Perera tried hard in the 2nd innings, though it wasn't enough to ensure a win against India (Hambantota 2012)

For say, T20 World Cup group match – 2009, Asia Cup Final – 2010, ODI World Cup Final – 2011.

Just say, how many India vs Sri Lanka hype you want?

Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka with MS Dhoni of India at the media brief before India-Sri Lanka series.

I mean bilateral series are okay but what is point of scheduling tri-nation series with them either.

From 2009, India have appeared in 16 bilateral series and 5 triangular series out of which 3 have been played against Sri Lanka; whereas in all 5 triangular series, Lankans competed as third favourite team.

And what would you say, if I compile stats between these two nations after no-series-play with Pakistan.

Numbers don't lie. Head-to-head: bilateral series between India and Sri Lanka from 2009 onwards

Since 2009, India have played 6 Tests, 28 ODIs and 4 T20s against Sri Lanka overall which includes 5 finale standings. Isn’t it enough though, we are again buckled up for the same rivalry to watch.

After Pakistan’s exit, do Lankans acclaimed BCCI’s exclusive rights to play with us? Season could be new but not the opposition for us – Indians. From 2008-09 season to till now, if we have rare clash against Pakistan on the field; then in the reverse manner, we scheduled series with Lanka off the field.

Believe it or not – but only season 2011-12 was the exception where, luckily, we didn’t get the same glimpse. Only one match has been played between these two sides and that is the WC finale for which you can’t even complain! My condolence!

Instead of wondering, say thanks to Australia and Pakistan for their true calibre and peak performances during CB series and Asia Cup respectively; else it would have been another boring combination – India vs Sri Lanka in finale, AGAIN.

Are you not tired of listening same commentary, saying: “when it comes to India vs SL, MSD don’t need to interact much with his boys. They know where to take field when there is a change in strike. After all, they know each-other’s very well.”

Just because India can’t play against Pakistan due to political and other issues; it doesn’t mean our every 3rd competitor would be Sri Lanka. Instead of this, can’t we give a break to our cricketers who constantly complained about too much cricket?

We can either allow them to play in domestic cricket instead of bunching against the same bouquet.

Still, if a tournament or series is that much necessary to conduct we have other nations as well. Can’t Bangladesh be the 3rd competitor instead of Lankans or even Pakistan? We could try for Indo-Pak matches at a neutral venue.

I agree, it wasn’t easy but not impossible either. Just like now BCCI trying to rebuild cricket relations with PCB; can’t it be done earlier as well? Still it is a proposal from BCCI and we have mixed of opinions. And trust me if, we had tried it earlier, it would have the same results.

If not earlier then why should now and if now, then why should not earlier?

At one hand both nations’ PM met at Mohali Stadium – not just to witness a semi final WC match, but to relish the high profile India-Pak semi final thrill; where on another side, the same nation’s players are not allowed to for an entire cricket series. What’s wrong in this, after all!

They say Sports enhance brotherhood, unity and peace but when it matters most, they step back by mentioning old issues. Can’t we resolve it?

Let cricket be your reason. Let two nations play again. Let the ground to achieve more cricket heights.

I won’t say we, India, shouldn’t play against Lanka. But at least there should be a designed gap between such redundancies. Seeing top two Asian teams playing against each other in every next 3rd series is quite tedious. NO?

Again, the same Asian giants are ready to roar in order to clinch another ODI title.

Would it be a new fascinating end as BCCI proposed Indo-Pak war on a return track? Or shall we expect more?

I would say, enjoy Mahela's captaincy as you know MSD well though!

For rest, we have CRICKET. :-)

Graphics: Monika Arora