Match Preview: India look to extend dominance over Sri Lanka in ODIs

Dharamsala, Dec 9 (Cricketnmore) India will aim to extend their dominance sans regular skipper Virat Kohli when they face Sri Lanka in the opener of the three-match One-day International rubber at the HPCA Stadium here on Sunday.

Going into the contest, the Sri Lankans will need to deal with a formidable batting line-up comprising Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav.

While the opening slot seems locked with Rohit and Dhawan at the top, Rahane is likely to get a chance at the number three position with Kohli given a much-needed rest.

However, if Dhawan, who was down with viral fever on Friday, pulls out then Rahane could be seen opening the innings.

It will be a sweet headache for the team management to choose between Manish Pandey and Shreyas Iyer, in case Jadhav also misses the opening tie due to a hamstring injury.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya will continue to be a vital cog in India's wheel as he completes what has been an exceptional year in international cricket for him.

The bowling department will be led by the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah while Pandya will provide the services of the third seamer. It will be interesting to see if rookie Siddharth Kaul is included in the playing XI at the HPCA Stadium, which is expected to aid swing bowling.