Sri Lanka and India are set to clash in the first ODI of their three-match series on August 2. Both teams are keen to finalize their playing XI for the series opener. Following a comprehensive whitewash of Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series, team India aims to sustain their winning momentum as they face the hosts on Friday, August 2 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This series holds significant importance for the Men in Blue as they have only six ODIs remaining before the Champions Trophy 2025.
The series also marks a new chapter in Indian cricket with the new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, working with the senior players for the first time. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, and star batter, Virat Kohli, will make their return to ODIs after an eight-month hiatus. Their return is highly anticipated, and their performances will be closely scrutinized as India builds towards major upcoming tournaments.
India faces a challenge in filling the void left by all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Shivam Dube is expected to step up, providing a strong finish to the innings and contributing crucial overs in the middle phase. The team management is also faced with a tough decision between wicketkeeper-batters KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Pant, returning to the 50-over format after a 20-month absence due to a severe car crash in 2023, is eager to make an impact. KL Rahul, on the other hand, played a pivotal role in India’s successful ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, scoring 452 runs from ten innings at an average of 75.33 and a strike rate of 90.76.
In addition to this, the team management may consider including two spin all-rounders, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, alongside Kuldeep Yadav. The seam attack is likely to be spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh. This combination of players could offer a balanced mix of experience and youth, ensuring depth in both batting and bowling.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has been dealt a blow with injuries to their fast bowlers, Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka. They have been replaced by Mohammed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga. Despite these setbacks, the rest of the Sri Lankan XI will feature their usual players, with Chamika Karunaratne and Asitha Fernando filling in as seam bowlers. Sri Lanka is eager to bounce back strongly after their disappointing performance in the T20I series, relying on their experienced players to step up and deliver.
India’s playing XI is expected to include Rohit Sharma as captain, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul as wicketkeeper, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s playing XI is likely to feature Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis as wicketkeeper, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka as captain, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, and Asitha Fernando.
Both teams are keen to deliver their best performances and secure an early lead in the series. The anticipation surrounding this series is high, as it promises to be an exciting contest with several players making their return and new faces aiming to make their mark on the international stage. India, buoyed by their recent T20I success, will look to capitalize on their momentum, while Sri Lanka will strive to turn the tide and perform strongly on home soil. The outcome of this series will be crucial for both teams as they fine-tune their strategies and build confidence ahead of future international challenges.
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