3 things to look forward to in the 3rd India vs Sri Lanka T20I ft. Sanju Samson vs Rishabh Pant
With the 2025 Champions Trophy on the calendar, T20Is are soon expected to take a backseat. The T20 World Cup was conducted earlier this year, and the focus is bound to shift to longer formats in the near future.
With that in mind, each T20I played by the defending champions, India, will be watched closely. They won't have much time to move on from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and based on what we've seen so far in the Sri Lanka series, they won't need it.
The Men in Blue are 2-0 up without being challenged too much and are on course to complete another whitewash over Sri Lanka. But the series has still been a fun one to watch, and there are plenty of storylines that could unfold in Pallekele on Tuesday, July 30.
On that note, here are three things to look forward to in the third T20I between India and Sri Lanka.
#3 Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson? The answer could reveal a lot
Rishabh Pant scratched his way to a painstaking 49 in the first T20I before remaining unbeaten in a simple chase in the second. Sanju Samson, who came in for Shubman Gill on Sunday, bagged a first-ball duck.
Interestingly, Pant is part of the ODI squad ahead of Samson. Gill, who is expected to have recovered from his neck spasm, could assume his usual spot at the top of the order as the vice-captain of the side. So can India pick Samson ahead of Pant for the final T20I?
The direction the think tank take will reveal a lot about their intentions. Gautam Gambhir has openly backed Samson on numerous occasions in the past and will ideally look to give the experienced keeper-batter a fair chance in the middle. Watching this unfold will be interesting.
#2 Will the Sri Lankan middle order step up?
Charith Asalanka is now Sri Lanka's full-time T20I skipper, but in the two matches so far, he hasn't been able to make an impact with the bat. Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga, who are among the more experienced names in the side, haven't been able to contribute much either.
Kamindu Mendis has shown promise, and the top three of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera have done their bit. In the third T20I, the onus will fall on Asalanka, Shanaka and Hasaranga to ensure that Sri Lanka's lack of batting depth doesn't take away their chances of winning.
The Lankan Lions will want to become a complete outfit, and the middle order will need to deliver for that to happen. Can they finally chip in?
#1 India are expected to rest and rotate apart from Pant vs Samson
Rishabh Pant vs Sanju Samson isn't the only selection dilemma on India's hands. They may also ponder bringing in the likes of Shivam Dube, Khaleel Ahmed and Washington Sundar, who are yet to feature in the series.
Watching these players make a case to be part of the first-choice XI will be worth the time, considering their upside and entertainment value. They will have a point to prove.
Even among the names currently part of the XI, Riyan Parag and Rinku Singh could be promoted in the batting order as India look to give them some time in the middle. The duo's performances will be watched closely on Tuesday.