LOOKING FOR BOWLER NO. 6

India Need To Find Enough Bowling Options For Do-Or-Die Game Against Lanka

Dubai: During an ultra-short pre-match press conference, Dasun Shanaka couldn't stop gushing about India's firepower. The Sri Lankan captain had earlier in the Asia Cup got into trash talk in the leadup to a virtual knockout game against Bangladesh. As India find themselves in an equally vulnerable position for Tuesday's match, Shanaka stayed away from daring his opponents this time.

"I think they had a very good game (against Pakistan) last night. There is nothing called under pressure at the moment because they are playing very good cricket and will be well prepared for tomorrow's game," Shanaka said.

That said, there will be some jitters in the Indian camp. Not coming good in crunch games in big tournaments has been a problem with India for most part of the last decade. On paper, India hold all the aces. But the team is far from being settled.

While the top order seemed to have rediscovered some of its ominous form against Pakistan on Sunday, Ravindra Jadeja's absence has again exposed the team's vulnerability: the sixth bowling option. The left-arm spinner's two-three overs in the middle order often provided a cushion to the team.

The attack unravelled when Pakistan launched a counter-attack on Sunday. Two of India's least experienced bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi - returned the best economy rates. It doesn't help when two of your three top bowlers have a bad day.