Even though India have named a second-string side for the white-ball series in Sri Lanka, the Shikhar Dhawan-led side will be favourites against depleted Islanders in their upcoming away limited-overs assignment. Dhawan, who has been appointed as the captain of the Team India side in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma can shatter Sourav Ganguly’s record in the upcoming One Day Internationals (ODIs). Dhawan-led Team India side will kickstart the Sri Lanka tour with the three-match ODI series on Sunday. 

One of the finest openers in the current batch of the Indian side, Dhawan is expected to make the most of his experience while leading the second-string side of the Men In Blue against the Lankan Lions. Dhawan, who has been an ideal choice for opening the Indian innings in the white-ball cricket, has set his sights on Ganguly’s record in his first ODI series as captain of the Indian side. 

The seasoned campaigner of Team India can shatter Ganguly’s feat by becoming the second-fastest Indian batsman to complete 6,000 runs in the 50-over format. While Indian skipper and run machine Kohli is the quickest to score 6k ODI runs, former Team India captain Ganguly is the second-fastest in the elite list. Kohli had achieved the feat in 136 innings and Ganguly took 147 innings to complete 6k ODI runs. 

Newly-appointed skipper Dhawan has played 142 ODIs for Team India. The veteran Indian batsman and Delhi Capitals (DC) superstar has amassed 5977 runs from 139 innings. Thus, Dhawan is tipped to become the second-fastest Indian batsman to complete 6,000 runs in ODIs.

If Dhawan registers a score of 23 or above against Sri Lanka in the series opener then the Indian skipper will become the 10th Indian batsman to complete 6,000 ODI runs. Team India will play three ODIs and as many T20Is against Sri Lanka. The 1st ODI between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday.