From a tactical point of view, that's quite an Irish broth. While it does give any captain the advantage of numerous options to choose from, what it also possibly does is create different viewpoints. Theoretically, it is prone to create confusion in the ranks as compared to a team that looks up to one leader.
This sort of a combination has greater possibility of running into danger when up against a side that is in very good form and hasn't lost a game yet in the tournament.
On these counts, M.S Dhoni & Co once again is firm favourites for Thursday's clash between the two neighbouring countries from the sub-continent.
The semifinal would be the fifth meeting between India and Sri Lanka in England. Except for the shock defeat in the 1979 World Cup, India have won the remaining four comfortably.
On paper, this should simply mean another day in the office for India, who have won not just matches, but confidence, accolades and appreciation from other teams in the Champions Trophy
However, these instances can only be taken into account when the two teams are matched on paper. On the field though, the Sri Lankans are a young squad too and are being well mentored by the senior trio of Sangakkara, Jayawardene and Dilshan. They could pose a different set of challenges if some of the individuals are looked at in closer detail.
Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, skipper Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal make for the Sri Lankan batting line-up, which has the backing of Dilshan at the top and Jayawardene and Sangakkara in the middle-order.
Perera is a 22-year-old wicket-keeper-batsman, who has played just 10 ODIs so far, but has been aggressive enough to draw comparisons with none other than Sanath Jayasuriya. A clean hitter with forearms to be wary of, the young man has the ability to explode.
On the other side of the coin is Thirimanne, a 23-year-old, who has already played 42 ODIs. Matching Perera's aggression, here's a southpaw who relies more on consistency, likes to strike partnerships, loves the new-ball and has a cover-drive that Jayawardene may possibly envy.
Further down the order is Mathews, presently leading the side and learning the ropes from his more experienced teammates, who've been happy to hand over the responsibility. An all-rounder with a keen cricketing mind, the 26-year old can clear any ground with his timing.
Finally, there's Chandimal, the technically sound 23-year-old right-hander, who has risen through the ranks in Sri Lanka after impressing many with his textbook batting.
Past records and on-paper match-ups would hardly matter to these young strapping men if they get going. With Jayawardene, Sangakkara and Dilshan - all proven match-winners on their day - to back them up, India should have quite a match on their hands.
It is India's batting that has been exceptionally good in the tournament but a few loose ends still wait to be tied up where bowling is concerned. Against a Sri Lankan line-up that has been traditionally stubborn with their never-say-die attitude, they certainly need to be wary.
Considering it's a semifinal, paperwork may not be enough, no matter the shortcomings we've seen so far in the tournament.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxHQ9J75K_c
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