With the first T20I scheduled against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday, the newly formed coach-captain partnership aims to build upon India's recent World Cup triumph while navigating through a transitional phase.

Under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, the selection process has been marked by a clear focus on future roles and specific requirements, leading to notable inclusions and exclusions from the squad.

Discussions between the Indian and Sri Lankan governments are in the preliminary stages, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The The Sri Lankan government on Monday decided to award free visa entry to nationals from India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia who are on a 30-day visit to the island nation.

The announcement follows Sri Lanka's Cabinet decision to greenlight the project, which has been on hold due to cost concerns.