The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka is set to take place in Lucknow on Thursday, giving the Indian team management yet another opportunity to try out various players ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

Rohit Sharma's first full season as India's full-time white-ball captain has gone off without a hitch, with India sweeping the West Indies 3-0 in T20Is at home and another 3-0 sweep in ODIs. The next three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka provides another opportunity for the side to maintain its dominance at home. The win over the West Indies sent India to the top of the ICC T20I rankings, but Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid know that these bilateral series victories will be for naught if India fails to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

After Virat Kohli's failure to lead India to victory in the T20 World Cup last year, Rohit's ascension to captaincy in all forms occurred over a period of a few months. Kohli led India to one of its finest win percentages in all formats, but the pressure of failing to win an ICC trophy forced him to step down.

Rohit knows he has his work cut out for him, and this series will provide him and his management with another opportunity to scout players for the World Cup squad.

Here is our expected India XI for the first T20 against Sri Lanka

Ishan Kishan: The left-handed opener struggled to get going in the series against the West Indies, and this series will be essential for him to secure his place in the showpiece event.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: The excellent opener struggled for runs in the only T20I he played against the West Indies, and the Indian squad should keep him at the top of the order to ensure a healthy contest between him and Kishan for the opener's spot.

Rohit Sharma: With no Virat Kohli or Rishabh Pant in the squad for the series, and Suryakumar Yadav out with an injury, Rohit will be forced to play the position of sheet anchor.

Shreyas Iyer: The absence of Virat Kohli and Pant opens the door for this gifted batsman to get a look in, but Shreyas realises that his inability to contribute with the ball will be a major impediment to his obtaining a regular spot in the starting XI.

Sanju Samson: The wicket-keeper batter has fallen down the pecking order, but he is a talent who deserves more opportunities.

Venkatesh Iyer: One of the standout performances of the West Indies series, Venkatesh would be asked to shoulder extra responsibility in finishing the innings in Suryakumar's absence. His bowling ability is still an asset.

Ravindra Jadeja: India's best all-rounder has returned from injury, and Jaddu will be expected to perform in all three areas.

Harshal Patel: The medium pacer will be expected to play a key role in the death overs once again, and he will need to bring his full arsenal to frighten the hitters.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The West Indies series demonstrated that Bhuvi still has some gas in his tank. This is yet another chance for him to keep his spot on the team.

Jasprit Bumrah: India's best pacer returns, and he will be expected to perform right away. India requires Bumrah to take wickets rather than simply restrain batters.

Yuzvendra Chahal: Chahal should win over the young Bishnoi, but the spin wizard is aware that the youngster is breathing down his neck.