After a successful campaign in the 50-over series, the cricketing action will shift to the shorter format. The young Indian side will be looking to carry their good form in the T20Is too.

With India looking towards some high profile schedule in the coming months, this series serves as a perfect chance for the youngsters to prove their mettle. As for Sri Lanka, they will look to come back stronger in T20Is after losing the ODIs

We take you through some of the talking points ahead of the first T20I between Sri Lanka and India.

Mission T20 World Cup

The T20I series against Sri Lanka is going to be India's last assignment before the T20 World Cup. There are several contenders from the current squad who will hope to make the cut.

Skipper Dhawan in shortest format

After leading India to victory in the ODI series, skipper Shikhar Dhawan will now aim for success in T20Is. The southpaw would look to get a big score and stay in contention for the World Cup. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were the first choice openers in the England series, earlier this year.

India enjoy better head-to-head

Team India have never lost a bilateral T20I series against Sri Lanka. Both teams have played 19 T20Is against each other out of which India have won 13 games, Sri Lanka have won five matches with one ending in no result.

Surya's scintillating form

After a scintillating T20I debut and his good show in the recently concluded ODI series, Suryakumar Yadav is looking more confident than ever. With the range of shots that he possesses in his armoury, Surya is capable of clearing the distance against the best of bowlers. He will again be a key player for Team India in the shortest format.

Sri Lanka look to gain momentum in T20Is

The likes of Avishka, Asalanka and Rajapaksa got amongst the runs for Sri Lanka. The rest of the batting lineup needs to also get going. Their bowling department did a wonderful job in the previous game. It will be interesting to see how the hosts get their act together in this format. Niroshan Dickwella, Isuru Udana, and Pathum Nissanka will also feature in the series.

India's spinning conundrum

Yuzvendra Chahal is likely to lead the spin department. Both Kuldeep Yadav and Krunal Pandya bowled well in the ODIs. However, Krunal also gives a batting option down the order. Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar also got amongst the wickets in the final ODI. Varun Chakravarthy provides another leg-spin option for Team India.

The first T20I is scheduled to take place at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo from 8:00 PM IST. Both teams will look to gain an edge in the series by starting on a winning note.