The real test starts now. After whitewashing Sri Lanka in the T20I series, we’re moving to 50-over cricket. Unlike the shorter format, where nothing was on the line, ODIs present a big opportunity. The series will serve as their perfect preparation opportunity for the Champions Trophy 2025, the next ICC event. Head coach Gautam Gambhir started things with a bang, and now he aims to take the Indian cricket team to yet another major trophy.
With Team India scheduled to participate in just 6 ODIs before the Champions Trophy, it’s essential to find the India’s perfect playing XI before the event starts in February 2025. The shortage of matches was the biggest reason why Gambhir wanted both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to travel to Sri Lanka for the ODIs.
Return of Shreyas Iyer & KL Rahul
India haven’t played one ODI match this year. While this isn’t great, given that most of the lineup is set, it won’t affect the performance in the India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI. India’s top order have all been in action; Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played in June, while Shubman Gill was in action just a couple of days ago.
Shreyas Iyer was dropped in February and was excluded from the BCCI central contract subsequently. Having not played for India in nearly six months, Shreyas would be happy to return. KL Rahul, too, has been out of action. He, however, was due to an injury. Similar to Shreyas, Rahul hasn’t featured for Team India in nearly seven months and would be raring to start where he finished off.
Debut for Riyan Parag as India go spin-heavy
The R. Premadasa Stadium is expected to assist the spinners. This means that Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will surely start. Axar didn’t play the last T20I in Pallekele while Kuldeep was rested for the entire series, and now both return together. Given that Ravindra Jadeja has been rested, Washington Sundar was the best player on the Zimbabwe tour, and the ‘Player of the Match’ on July 30 will start as well.
Following his performance with the ball in the T20Is, Riyan Parag will also find a place in the XI. His off-spin helped India a lot throughout the three matches, and was the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the series. The 22-year-old will make it ahead of more experienced Shivam Dube, who offers a handy medium pace.
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Siraj to rest, Harshit Rana to fulfill dream
Just like the T20Is, the usage of pacers would be minimal, especially in comparison to pacers. Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma already know what Mohammed Siraj offers, and with Mohammed Shami unavailable due to injury and Jasprit Bumrah rested, it’ll be the best time to test Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm pacer is witnessing the best phase of his career and would love to show his mettle in ODIs as well.
Harshit Rana impressed everyone in the IPL 2024 season. He was even taken to Zimbabwe but failed to get a game. With the non-selection of Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan, along with Khaleel Ahmed missing out due to Arshdeep’s presence in the squad, Harshit could make his India debut. One has to also remember that Gambhir has seen the pacer from close quarters during his time as Kolkata Knight Riders mentor and knows his potential.
Predicted India Playing XI for 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka
Rohit Sharma (c), Ꮪhubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.
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