Testing the lower middle order was probably the only remaining aspect for Team India in recent months. That, however, was properly taken care of in the second game at Kandy, as the men in blue got home in a thriller of a run chase. MS Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, got together for one of the most inspiring stands in recent times as it was the unlikely candidate in the form of Kumar, who played the antagonist in the chase, acing a fine half century.
Knowing Virat Kohli and his mindset, the Indian captain will be more than eager to wrap up the series right here at Kandy. For the visitors though, there will be an aspect or two to address, after the likes of KL Rahul and Kedar Jadhav didn’t have ideal outings in the second ODI.
This is why the game on Sunday becomes far more significant for India, as the side will be eager to try out a few permutations and combinations in the lead up to the future. Below, is the likely predicted XI for the men in blue in the third ODI.
- Rohit Sharma:
Sharma looked all class and breezed his way to a half century a couple of nights ago as his elegance was just too hot to handle for the Sri Lankans. Who knows, had he not been dismissed, Dananjaya might not have got the opportunity to have a crack at the middle order? Nevertheless, Sharma will look to carry on from where he left in the second game.
- Shikhar Dhawan:
The southpaw carried on his super rich vein of form at Kandy as he was caught off an absolute blinder on 49. Had Dhawan got another run, it would have equaled the world record for the most number of consecutive 50+ scores against a particular opposition.
- Virat Kohli (c):
To be fair to Kohli, the delivery he received from the off spinner was next to unplayable and the Indian captain was completely outplayed. Nevertheless, being the ever perfectionist he is, Kohli could well dominate his way to a ton to make amends for the second ODI.
- KL Rahul:
The level of competition with the Indian camp for the coveted number four slot is so intense, that time is a commodity in excess scarcity for the ever talented KL Rahul. Another failure, and Rahul could well make his way out for Manish Pandey. At any given cost, the Karnataka star will have to make the Sunday ODI count, to further cement his spot at number 4.
- MS Dhoni (wk):
Dhoni once again, for the nth time in his ever illustrious career played a knock out of literally nowhere to save the grace for India. Dhoni however now, will expect that a decent platform is set for him, so that he can play his natural game and impress everyone.
- Kedar Jadhav:
The last game was counted as an opportunity missed for someone who is seen as the next Indian finisher. Thanks to the top order, Jadhav hasn’t’ got many opportunities to bat in the middle, and he would be eager to make his next chance count.
- Axar Patel:
India could deal with a colossal blow as Hardik Pandya could be out of the next ODI with his leg injury. If indeed, Pandya is out, Patel will be promoted at number 7 and he has batted earlier at that position. Bowling wise, he remains absolutely top notch as a spinner.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar:
Despite playing a superb knock with the bat a couple of nights ago, Kumar would be unhappy with his returns so far. He has been wicketless in the series so far and its high time that he makes that new ball count against Niroshan Dickwella.
- Kuldeep Yadav:
With Pandya out, there should be an opportunity for Kuldeep Yadav. The chinaman spinner had a ball in the Caribbean recently and even outbowled R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. He could well make his chance count at Kandy on Sunday.
- Yuzvendra Chahal:
Chahal was simply superb in the second ODI as his wrist spin was just too good for the Sri Lankans. A spinner rated highly by skipper Virat Kohli, Chahal is expected to have another decent outing on Sunday.
- Jasprit Bumrah:
Bumrah has struck form once again with two superb games on the trot. His four wicket haul in the previous game was just too good to watch as he executed the yorkers to perfection. He remains India’s best weapon at the death.