Sri Lanka will be looking to bump the Indians into third place on the Commonwealth Bank Series ladder, with the two set to meet at the Gabba on Tuesday.
Before their trip to Brisbane, India were in first place, but following a 110-run hammering from Australia, they will now have to contend with the Sri Lankans to stay on track for a place in the finals series.
There were serious concerns for India with both bat and ball in their Sunday night loss to the host nation. Their bowling department fatigued in the heat and allowed Australia to reach a flattering score, and the top order seemed totally inept on the fast and bouncy track, falling to 4-36 at one point.
Making matters worse, the only man to show resistance for India at the Gabba, MS Dhoni, will be unavailable for the clash, having been suspended for one match by the ICC for finishing two overs behind schedule, India's second one-day infringement in a year.
Gautam Gambhir is the man likely to take the captaincy post, and as one of the few Indians to be scoring freely, he may be the man that has to take up Dhoni's share in the batting department as well.
The Sri Lankans were eight-wicket victors when they last pulled on the colours, chasing down a rain-revised target within 24 overs after skittling the Australians for 158.
With that result and a thrilling tie when they last met their subcontinent neighbours, the Sri Lankans will be excited by their prospects, particularly whip-arm paceman Lasith Malinga, who can be expected to thrive with the extra pace and bounce.
Following a horror batting performance in their loss to Australia, Indian captain MS Dhoni said that selectors would have to think hard to strike the right balance between their experienced elder statesman and their promising youth.
"We have to see what the best XI is... it's about getting everyone going, everyone has to contribute," he said.
"You want to do well. You can always say the opposition team played well, you played well, but they outplayed you, but at the end of the day you feel bad."
"If you're not winning games you feel bad, so we want to get a bit of both. We want the youngsters to play some games, but of course we want to get into the finals first."