India plays against Sri Lanka just 15 hours after a grueling match against Pakistan. While it was expected that India will make quite a few changes, but Rohit Sharma surprised everyone with the team selection. Axar Patel came in to replace Shardul Thakur in a spin-friendly track as Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul continue to retain their place in the India Playing XI.
“We ensured everyone got into the pool after the game last night. They are fresh as we had five days off before these two games. Last game was good for us, we batted well and then came out to defend the total with some good bowling. But again this is a new day and a fresh game,” said Rohit Sharma at the Toss.
No Rest for Bumrah & KL Rahul
KL Rahul who played his first international game after 6-7 months starts against Sri Lanka. Rahul slammed his 6th ODI century against Pakistan and remained unbeaten on 111. But Rohit Sharma has decided to give much-needed playing time to the designated wicketkeeper of the Men in Blue.
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Rohit explained how the players had adequate cool-down time after the match against Pakistan. With the World Cup on the horizon, Rahul getting match time is of utmost necessity. Ironically, Rahul got to know that he will play against Babar Azam and Co just 5 minutes before the toss. Shreyas Iyer had a back spasm which prompted India to give a chance to KL who came and marked his comeback with a brilliant ton.
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Coming to Jasprit Bumrah, the AC speedster played his first ODI match in over a year. Though he was a part of the first India vs Pakistan game, but didn’t get a chance to bowl as rain played spoilsport. He traveled to India for the birth of his son and missed the game against Nepal. against Pakistan in the Super 4s, he bowled 5 overs and got a wicket.
But with the Asia Cup now in the final stage and 3 weeks remaining for the World Cup, Jasprit Bumraah needs to get as much playing time as he needs. Therefore, the pacer was selected against Sri Lanka despite playing a game against Pakistan 15 hours ago.
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