After two dominating wins on consecutive days, Team India have a much-needed rest. They will look to make a cleansweep when the third T20I arrives in Pallekele on Tuesday (July 30). However, with now series in pocket, can we see some changes from the visitors. The only swap India have made thus far came when Shubman Gill woke up with a neck spasm to make way for Sanju Samson. However, will Samson manage to keep his place? Let us discuss below.
Gill to take his slot back from Sanju?
Fans voiced that India did unjust not to include Sanju Samson in the first T20I. However, the Keralite found his way in as injury ruled Gill out of the second game. Much to the agony for Samson and his fans, the talented keeper was dismissed for a golden duck in his return. While playing Maheesh Theekshana, Samson did no feet movement which ultimately led to his downfall.
Now, India have a problem in their hand. Given that Gill recovers from his spasm and is fit and available, will India drop Samson again? Well, to be honest, Samson’s only chance to retain his place would’ve been by doing something special in his ‘rare chance’ on Sunday. But his golden duck now means he could make way for Gill. Rishabh Pant has looked decent but not in red-hot form, meaning he should play the last T20I as well.
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Much-needed rest for Pandya?
Hardik Pandya has played 10 T20Is within last two months. Add 14 IPL matches to that, the premier all-rounder has 24 T20 matches in last four months. Despite his odd bowling performance in the last game, he has looked in form. He has a strike rate of 163.16 in the ongoing series.
With series not more in line, Pandya might get rested for the third T20I. Washington Sundar, who has deemed as a perfect replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, is waiting from the bench. The Player of the Series against Zimbabwe, is yet to get a game time and Tuesday’s match might be a perfect opportunity for him.
Another change that could be made is to bring in Khaleel Ahmed. Arshdeep Singh is undoubtedly now India’s second best pacer in the format after Jasprit Bumrah. He has delivered in this series as well, taking four wickets at an average of 12.00. Khaleel is waiting and Gautam Gambhir might take a look at the 26-year-old, who is also in the ODI squad.
Predicted India Playing XI vs Sri Lanka for 3rd T20I
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (VC), Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.
India T20I squad for Sri Lanka series
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ꮪhubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.
