A new era dawns for Indian as far as T20 cricket is concerned. With new head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the helm, the Men in Blue will embark on an exciting chapter. With a fresh-faced batting lineup featuring Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the T20 World Champions are ready to take the charge post the Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli chapter.
Their first test? A three-match series against Sri Lanka. While the top order seems sorted, a burning question lingers: Who will don the wicket-keeping gloves – the explosive Rishabh Pant or the elegant Sanju Samson?
Samson or Pant?
Samson, despite a scintillating ODI century, has been unfortunate to miss out on the 50-over format. But in the shorter format, the battle for the wicket-keeper’s spot is much more tight. Neither Pant nor Samson is a designated finisher, which means one of them is likely to bat at the crucial number three position. We say number three because, Team India have shown that they like to put SKY at four.
Pant to get the nod
Pant, who was given a new lease of life in the at number three during the T20 World Cup, seems to have solidified his position. His aggressive batting and athletic wicket-keeping make him a genuine asset. If team management sticks to its plans, Samson might have to warm the bench for now. Moreover, Pant, with his left-handedness, has that X-Factor in him that Gautam Gambhir might opt for.
But cricket is a game of surprises. With India boasting a wealth of talent, the playing XI can change rapidly. So, while Pant seems to be the frontrunner for the first T20I, Samson’s fans will be hoping for a last-minute twist.
Team India Predicted Playing XI for 1st T20I vs SL
1. Shubman Gill
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Rishabh Pant (WK)
4. Suryakumar Yadav (C)
5. Rinku Singh
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Axar Patel
8. Washington Sundar
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Ravi Bishnoi
11. Mohammed Siraj
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