In hindsight, the upcoming five-match affair between hosts Sri Lanka and India might seem like a complete mismatch on cards.
However, Virat Kohli’s men will be well aware of what Sri Lanka as a side can inflict upon India, dating back to the two teams recent encounter in London, during the ICC Champions Trophy. However, for India, plenty is at stake in this series, which overhauls just the prospect of dominating a weakened Sri Lankan outfit.
With youngsters like KL Rahul and Manish Pandey being entrusted with opportunities ahead of the seasoned Yuvraj Singh, the message from the think tank has been pretty evident indeed. The competition in that Indian dressing room is quite intense, and the upcoming series could well determine the side’s blue prints for the 2019 World Cup.
With the first ODI at Dambulla barely a couple of days away, below, we have a look at the predicted Indian XI for the first ODI.
- Shikhar Dhawan:
Dhawan marked a successful return to the ODI squad in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 with a rousing performance, where he finished as the leading run-getter in the tournament. He has been top-notch this year so far, and after a decent tour of the Caribbean, the southpaw will now be eager to amplify those gains further. The series against Sri Lanka provides an ideal opportunity for Dhawan to further stamp his authority.
- Rohit Sharma:
After being rested for the tour to West Indies, a rejuvenated Rohit Sharma should be back at the top of the order for India. The Dhawan- Rohit combo has done wonders for India in the last few years, and there isn’t any reason to alter this ever solid pair.
In the Champions Trophy too, they put on some terrific opening stands, which made the job of the middle order far easy. It will be the first time Rohit will open in Sri Lanka, and he will look to make it big here as well.
- Virat Kohli (c):
The Indian skipper has been in some unmatched form with the bat in ODI’s since the last 18 months. Having scored a ton in just his previous ODI inning, Kohli will walk out at Dambulla to further stamp his class on the Sri Lankans. Playing in a nation which has already witnessed his batting masterclass in the past, the stage would be set for King Kohli to reign supreme.
- KL Rahul:
Recently, chief selector MSK Prasad spoke at length on how the management saw a perfect middle order folly in KL Rahul. Manish Pandey might have to further wait for his chance, as Rahul in all probability would be used at number four, a position that has given the management a lot of stress since the 2015 World Cup.
Multiple candidates have vied for that spot, but all in vain. Rahul is the latest one to jump in the fray and given his credentials; he could well make that spot his own.
- MS Dhoni (wk):
For the ever legendary MS Dhoni, this series is the complete litmus test. Dhoni’s performances in the last couple of years have been far from satisfactory, as he begins quite slowly which eats up the momentum given by the top order. His slow starts have been a serious concern now for the team, and with alternatives emerging, Dhoni will have to make these five games count at all costs.
- Kedar Jadhav:
Jadhav enjoyed a decent tour of the Caribbean, as he often finished the innings with a flurry. Thanks to India’s ever strong top order, the Maharashtra batsman has rarely got an opportunity to bat for a long time, but in limited chances, he has made enough impact to be considered as the team’s finisher.
- Hardik Pandya:
In this series, India has ensured that Pandya will have to bowl ten overs in each game, as the side is likely to play just two frontline pacers. That will be an ideal test of the all-rounder’s bowling skills, and Pandya’s recent form has been red hot. The youngster enjoyed a fruitful Champions Trophy, where he excelled in both departments.
- Axar Patel:
Axar Patel has been duly rewarded with a slot in the team, mainly due to his ever consistent performances for the India A team. As a matter of fact, Patel is still the best ranked Indian ODI bowler, and last played against New Zealand in October at home. His batting skills have improved quite a lot, and if he has a good series, there will be a serious competition for Ravindra Jadeja.
- Kuldeep Yadav:
Yadav was so clinical in the Caribbean that he out bowled both Ashwin and Jadeja with relative ease in each game. A wrist spinner is a much-needed commodity in this era of the game and Kuldeep is an extremely attacking wicket taking option who can change the outlook of a match within a spell.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar:
Having warmed the benches throughout the Test series, Kumar will now be eager to make an impression in ODI’s as well. He has improved tremendously as a pacer and added a few crucial aspects in his arsenal, which make him a must have in the ODI team.
- Jasprit Bumrah:
Bumrah was rested for the Caribbean tour and now makes his return to the ODI team for the first time since the Champions Trophy in England. In this series, Bumrah will look to hone his skills with the new ball, as he faces intense competition from the other pacers in the scheme of things.