India vs Sri Lanka 2017: India's probable playing 11 for first ODI
In the absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the limited-overs leg of the series against Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma will lead the side for the first time. He will be boosted by the return of Hardik Pandya, who was rested for the Test series against Sri Lanka.
While the middle-order is certain to miss the experience of Kohli, India have plenty of other options to choose from. Against a side who have lost 12 ODIs on the trot, India will look to continue winning while also testing their bench strength. Before they make a lot of major changes, they will want to secure the series, with that in mind, here is a look at how they might line up for the first ODI in Dharamsala on December 10.
Here is India's probable playing 11 for first ODI:
Openers
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma made his comeback to the Test side in the series against Sri Lanka and continued his good form in 2017 as he scored a century in Nagpur and fifties in both innings of the Delhi Test.
In his last six ODIs, Rohit Sharma has scored two centuries and two fifties and he will be looking to continue that incredible form against Sri Lanka. As captain, he will also be looking to lead from the front and continue his IPL-winning form to his maiden stint as captain of the national side.
Shikhar Dhawan
An average of 67.9 with three centuries and four fifties from just 13 ODIs just highlights how much Shikhar Dhawan enjoys playing against Sri Lanka. The southpaw, who recently turned 32 will be looking to extend that stellar run against the visitors and look to join Virat Kohli and become only the seventh batsman to score over 1,500 international runs in 2017.