India's predicted playing XI for the 3rd T20I vs Sri Lanka | July 30, 2024

The series is already decided, but both India and Sri Lanka will have a lot to play for when they lock horns in the third and final T20I on Tuesday, July 30. The two sides are going through periods of transition, and every contest is a valuable source of direction and information.

The Men in Blue were largely untroubled during the first two T20Is. They clinched the first one by 43 runs before cruising past the Lankan total with seven wickets to spare in a rain-affected second T20I. India are likely to use this opportunity to try out their bench players while giving those who haven't had much to do some time in the middle.

T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.

On that note, here is India's predicted playing XI for the third T20I against Sri Lanka.

Openers: Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal

Shubman Gill missed the second T20I with a neck spasm. While he could be given another rest, given that he will be an integral part of the ODI side, he is the vice-captain of the team and should slot back in at the top of the order if fit.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been a major positive for India in the series so far, with important contributions in both matches. The southpaw, who won't play the ODIs, will want to finish the tour on a high.

Middle Order: Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar

SKY has led India well [Image Courtesy: BCCI on X]

Rishabh Pant has batted in each of the two T20Is thus far and is part of the ODI squad. More importantly, it would be extremely harsh to drop Sanju Samson without giving him a proper run at his favored No. 3 position. India can't exactly give Samson a proper run, but they can give him a game - and that will be a positive event for all parties involved.

Hardik Pandya is another player who could be rested for the third T20I. The all-rounder has bowled six overs and batted twice in the last three days, and although his workload hasn't been too high, India will need to be extremely careful. Shivam Dube could come in.

Suryakumar Yadav will want to give Riyan Parag and Rinku Singh some time in the middle. Both batters didn't get to contribute with the bat in the last game and could barely face a couple of deliveries in the series opener.

Washington Sundar, who was the Player of the Series against Zimbabwe, could get his first outing of the Sri Lanka tour in the third T20I. He could replace Axar Patel, who bowled his four overs on Sunday.

Lower Order: Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Khaleel Ahmed

India v Australia - T20I Series: Game 5 - Source: Getty

Arshdeep Singh has played a ton of cricket over the last few months, and Khaleel Ahmed is a straightforward choice to replace him. Mohammed Siraj, who has looked slightly off-color, can be expected to be retained in the XI as he seeks rhythm.

Ravi Bishnoi is likely to be the frontline spinner once again.