India’s new T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has left out Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube from the playing XI for the first T20 match against Sri Lanka. This decision has puzzled many fans and cricket enthusiasts.
Washington Sundar was a standout performer in the recent series against Zimbabwe, where he was named Player of the Series. Sundar took 8 wickets at an impressive average of 11.6, showcasing his potential as a spin-bowling all-rounder, a role previously filled by Ravindra Jadeja. Despite his recent success, Sundar finds himself on the sidelines as India opts for a different team balance.
Shivam Dube, another notable exclusion, played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. He contributed with crucial runs in the final, making him a valuable player in the middle order. His exclusion suggests that the team management, possibly influenced by Gautam Gambhir, is keen to test new combinations. Riyan Parag, who had a modest performance against Zimbabwe, gets a chance to prove himself in this series.
India’s playing XI for the match includes Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj. This lineup indicates a strategic shift towards a batting-heavy approach, leaving out established all-rounders like Sundar and Dube.
As fans eagerly await the match, the selection decisions highlight the challenges and uncertainties that come with team management in international cricket. The game will reveal whether these choices pay off or if the absence of experienced players like Sundar and Dube will be felt.