IND vs SL: Team India Practice – Rohit Sharma and Co had a gruelling practice session at Guwahati ahead of India vs SriLanka 1st ODI match. The two sides will lock horns after India won the T20I series 2-1. The Indian team was spotted sweating out in the training season as India gears up for the first ODI series in the new year. The hosts will aim to put on a good performance with eyes on the ICC ODI World Cup. Follow India vs SriLanka LIVE updates on Insidesport.IN
Also Read: IND vs SL LIVE: Rohit Sharma confirms Shubman Gill as opening partner for 1st ODI, Double Centurion Ishan Kishan MISSES out – Follow LIVE
IND vs SL: Watch as Rohit Sharma & Co SWEAT OUT in India Practice, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul spend QUALITY Time in Nets ahead of SriLanka encounter – Check Out
Under the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid, the Men in Blue conducted an important training session ahead of the 1st ODI between India vs SriLanka. Rohit Sharma, earlier in his press conference made it clear that youngster Shubhman Gill will open with him in the game. This means that Ishan Kishan, despite slamming a double century in ODIs against Bangladesh recently, will have to sit out.
“Unfortunate that we won’t be able to play Ishan Kishan. We have to give Gill a fair run,” said Rohit in the Press conference.
During the practice session, Rohit was spotted discussing with Rahul Dravid about his own batting and shot selection. The Indian skipper was seen taking batting stances and shadow practicing while being engaged in a conversation with the head coach.
কাইলৈ গুৱাহাটীত ভাৰত-শ্ৰীলংকাৰ মহাৰণ। তাকে লৈ বৰ্ষাপাৰাত টীম ইণ্ডিয়াৰ কঠোৰ অনুশীলন।#IndvsSri | #Guwahati pic.twitter.com/EilDVLeG8i
— News Daily 24 (@nd24_news) January 9, 2023
India vs SriLanka 1st ODI – India Team Practice
- Rohit Sharma has clarified that Shubhman Gill will open with him against SriLanka.
- This means that the recent ODI Double centurion Ishan Kishan will be left out.
- Former skipper Virat Kohli will retain his usual spot at No.3
- At spot No. 4 there will be a fight between Shreyas Iyer vs Suryakumar Yadav
- Taking hints from Rohit’s Press conference statements, Iyer is likely to get the nod ahead of SKY.
- Despite SKY’s heroics in T20, Rohit has made it clear that just because a player is performing well in one format, will guarantee a spot in the team in other formats of the game.
- KL Rahul, the lone keeper option will start at No. 5. With Rishabh Pant out injured and Ishan Kishan missing the game, KL gets a chance to cement his place in the team after being stripped off his vice-captaincy.
- Hardik Pandya will occupy the No.6 slot while Axar Patel will bat at No. 7.
- In terms of the bowling unit, Mohammad Shami Returns from his shoulder injury.
- Mohammed Siraj will partner Shami in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence.
- The choice for the 3rd pacer will be done between Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
- The lone specialized spinner spot will be occupied by Yuzvendra Chahal.
IND vs SL: Watch as Rohit Sharma & Co SWEAT OUT in India Practice, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul spend QUALITY Time in Nets ahead of SriLanka encounter – Check Out
Nets ✅
Fan meet-ups 😃 ✅#TeamIndia skipper @ImRo45 is all geared-up for #INDvSL ODI series opener 💪🏻 @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/o6SOrUblBg— BCCI (@BCCI) January 9, 2023
Rohit Sharma is making a return having missed the final 2 ODIs and the SL T20Is due to injury. Rohit spent a considerable amount of time in the nets, perfecting his shots and timings. The skipper will target to get back into his groove real soon. With the main focus being on the ICC World Cup, scheduled later in the year, Rohit will like to score some runs handsomely and lead his side from the front.
Former India skipper Virat Kohli too spent a long time in the practice session. Virat who like Rohit was not a part of the T20 Series is returning to action for the first time in this year. Having broken his century draught recently, Kohli will once again aim to don the role of the run machine yet again.
IND vs SL: Watch as Rohit Sharma & Co SWEAT OUT in India Practice, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul spend QUALITY Time in Nets ahead of SriLanka encounter – Check Out
KL Rahul, the sole wicketkeeper option for India in the 1st ODI was seen behind the stumps. He was rested for the T20 series and his vice-captaincy was stripped off. But this game proves a lifeline to cement his spot in the team. KL will no longer open India’s innings but will slot in the middle order, preferably at the no. 5 spot.
In terms of the bowling department, Mohammed Siraj is set to accompany the returning Mohammad Shami. The two pacers will spearhead India’s bowling attack against SriLanka. However, the spot for the 3rd pacer is up for grabs. It is going to be an even contest between Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
In all likelihood, Arshdeep is tipped to get the chance ahead of Malik. Arshdeep is the only available left-arm pacer in the squad. Axar Patel fulfills the role of spinner all-rounder with Washington Sundar as an alternative. Yuzvendra Chahal is the sole specialized spinner in the Indian Playing XI, while Kuldeep is expected to be benched.
Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow IND vs SL Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.