As India prepares for the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo, there are growing calls for changes in the team. After a tied game and a 32-run loss, India is on the brink of ending their 27-year dominance over Sri Lanka in ODI cricket. The Lankan Lions are just one win away from securing their first ODI series win against India since 1997.
Current Situation:
- Middle-Order Struggles: India’s middle-order has underperformed in the series so far. While Rohit Sharma has set solid foundations with two fifties, players like KL Rahul and Shivam Dube have failed to support him. Rahul scored 31 runs in the first ODI but was dismissed for a duck in the second. Dube showed promise in the first match but struggled against Sri Lankan spin in the second.
- Need for Change: Given the conditions in Colombo, which favor spin bowling, there are calls to replace Dube with Riyan Parag. Parag’s spin bowling skills could be an asset on a slow pitch. Additionally, including Rishabh Pant is being considered as a potential replacement for KL Rahul. Pant’s aggressive batting style could provide a much-needed boost.
Predicted India Playing XI for 3rd ODI:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma (c) | Captain |
| Shubman Gill (vc) | Vice-Captain |
| Virat Kohli | Batsman |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batsman |
| KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant (wk) | Batsman/Wicketkeeper |
| Riyan Parag | All-Rounder |
| Washington Sundar | All-Rounder |
| Axar Patel | All-Rounder |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| Mohammed Siraj | Fast Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler |
Why Consider Changes?
- Spin-Friendly Conditions: With the pitch in Colombo expected to become slower, Riyan Parag’s spin bowling could complement the existing spin options of Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.
- Pant’s Aggression: Rishabh Pant’s aggressive batting might offer a different dynamic, particularly in challenging conditions where quick scoring is crucial.
The final decision on the playing XI will be influenced by the pitch conditions and the team management’s strategy. While KL Rahul’s past performances have been strong, the current situation may call for adjustments to turn the series in India’s favor.