India's predicted playing XI for the 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka | August 7, 2024
India will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7. The hosts currently have a 1-0 lead in the series.
India have had a couple of days off but might consider making a few changes for this contest. They haven't been at their best in both departments and might need reinforcements to pull level in the rubber.
ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.
On that note, here is India's predicted playing XI for the third ODI against Sri Lanka.
Openers: Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma (c)
Rohit Sharma has been sensational in the series so far, having played a couple of terrific knocks at the top of the order. The Indian skipper will want to continue in the same vein and produce another masterclass.
Shubman Gill has been a bit underwhelming so far but showed brief signs of his best form in the second ODI. The opener will want to stamp his authority on the final game of the series.
Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
India's middle-order batters have been hugely disappointing. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Shivam Dube haven't done much with the bat. While the first three from the list need some time out in the middle since they're part of the first-choice ODI XI, it doesn't make much sense to play Dube.
The Men in Blue could bring in Riyan Parag for some additional spin overs and relegate Dube to the bench. Parag will be partnered by Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in the spin-bowling all-rounder department.
Rishabh Pant might be left out, although India would want some reinforcements in the middle order.
Lower Order: Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed
Both Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh haven't been anywhere near their best in the series so far. Both could be rested for the final ODI, with Harshit Rana potentially making his international debut and Khaleel Ahmed being given a go in the format for the first time since 2019.
Kuldeep Yadav will be eyeing a bagful of wickets in helpful conditions.