India will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 International (T20I) of the tri-nation Nidahas Trophy 2018, on March 6. The Men in Blue will be playing without their six-first choice players in the playing XI. Both, India T20I captain Virat Kohli, and wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni are rested for the series. The decision to rest the senior players in the side prompted the team management to elevate opener Rohit Sharma's role to that of a skipper. Also, Shikhar Dhawan got a promotion and was appointed vice-captain of the team.

Briefing a media conference, India’s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma said, “We are happy to be here and expect to play some good cricket in the Nidahas Trophy,” upon team’s arrival in Colombo. India will be facing Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the seven-match T20I series, with all the teams facing each other twice. The top teams will be playing the Final. India vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I, Nidahas Trophy 2018 Preview: Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue to Take on Lankan Lions.

Talking about his captaincy role Rohit Sharma said, “It is an honour for me to lead the side and it is going to be no different in this series. I am excited to see how this young team performs.” After a poor tour in South Africa, the dashing opener will look to strike form and lead the side from the front in absence of other senior members of the team.

Given the form the Indian team is in, they surely begin the tri-nation series as favourites. However, with the unpredictability of the T20 format, it will be silly to downplay the opponents. Commenting on the triangular contest in the subcontinent, Rohit ‘Hitman’ Sharma said, “We won't label ourselves as favourites. The T20 format is unpredictable and you got to be on the money at all times. Both our oppositions are strong and we look forward to a good contest.” India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh T20I Series: Complete Fixtures, Schedule, Timetable and Venue of Nidahas Trophy 2018.

It must be seen that will Rohit Sharma be able to lead the young India brigade to series victory or not? India will play the series opener on Tuesday at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo. The live telecast of the match will begin at 07.00 p.m. IST. The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on March 18. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about Nidahas Trophy 2018.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 05, 2018 07:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).