From Wasim Akram
The preparation for World Twenty20 has already started as far as India is concerned. But for the defending champion Sri Lanka this will be the toughest test and they will have to play out of their skins against the best side in the world.
Experience really matters a lot. Yuvraj Singh is a massive match winner in this format. He will continue to play a big part for the Indian squad against Sri Lanka. Even look at Ashish Nehra, he bowled superbly on placid tracks in Australia. I think India has a very good combination. It is a very good idea to have these guys in the side.
I would like to see Yuvraj bat higher up in the order with Virat resting. Yuvraj will gain confidence by being out in the middle. I think the beauty of his batting is that in this format, Yuvi is a match-winner. Ravi has a shrewd cricket brain and he knows how to manage players. I am sure Ravi would have already worked that out. When a senior player makes a comeback it is important to nurse him through the early days. They will take time to re-adjust to the environment, so the team management has a vital role to play. All three-Nehra, Harbhajan and Yuvraj are match-winners. They will be crucial weapons for Dhoni against Sri Lanka.
Remember once a winner always a winner.
Look at Sri Lanka, even they have guys like Dilhara Fernando back in the side. He started towards the end of my playing career. Dilhara has a very good yorker and slower ball. Sri Lanka are also missing their regular T20I skipper Lasith Malinga who is out with their injury. Then there is no Tillakaratne Dilshan in the first T20I. Sri Lanka is struggling at the moment with a lot of senior players out either retired or injured. It will take some time for them to rebuild.
It will be a big ask with Dilshan is another experienced player who would have made a big difference to the line-up.
If I was Dhoni, I would look to win the series 3-0 and that too comprehensively. I would only experiment in the final game after the series is sealed.