Also Read: World Cup: Red-hot Maharaj, Jansen flatten Kiwis, hand Proteas 190-run victory

All the six venues where 

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

India have flexed their muscles thus far have understandably been draped in a sea of blue, fans turning up in their thousands, sporting the jerseys primarily of either Rohit or his predecessor, Virat Kohli. Much of the same can be expected on Thursday, especially given that Rohit is a hometown hero who headlines a strong Mumbai presence in the Indian squad.

After kicking off the World Cup with a duck against Australia in Chennai, Rohit has upped his game several notches, taking the fight to the opposition in the Powerplay with devastating effect. True surfaces allowed him to bat with freedom and purpose, but in Lucknow on Sunday against England, the skipper showcased another side to his batting. Faced with a more challenging surface and a very disciplined bowling attack, Rohit ratcheted down a gear or two without losing impact or substance, the glue that held the Indian innings together.

Steady knock against NZ

His 87, off 101 deliveries, was largely responsible for India’s tally of 229 for nine, expertly defended by the bowling group with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami leading the charge. Rohit has already termed his homecoming a special occasion, and if he can turn on the magic in front of his adoring legion, Sri Lanka could be on a hiding to nothing.

In Rohit is an example Shreyas Iyer could look to emulate. Also a local lad, Iyer has flattered to deceive, fatally sucked into the pull more than once in this competition. With Suryakumar Yadav, another Mumbai batsman, grabbing his chances owing to Pandya’s unavailability, Iyer will be under some pressure to retain his spot. Perhaps, a return to the ground he knows like the back of his hand will bring the best out of him.

After an iffy start, Sri Lanka sprang to life with back-to-back wins over Netherlands and England, but defeat to Afghanistan on Monday has severely dented their chances. They have the quality, but do they have the belief?