Sri Lanka Vs India 4th ODI: India Bats First, Shardul Thakur Debut, Kuldeep Yadav Returns
Aug 31, 2017 at 2:12 PM
India won the toss and decided to bat first against Sri Lanka in the fourth One-Day International at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Both the teams have made 3 changes each with India bringing in Kuldeep Yadav, Manish Pandey and handing debut to fast-bowler Shardul Thakur while Sri Lanka have included Dilshan Munaweera, Wanidu Hasaranga and Malinda Pushpakumara.
Here is what the captains said:
Virat Kohli:
We are going to bat first. Looks a good wicket. Conditions hot and humid, so don’t think it’s the best time to bowl in the afternoon. Track looks brilliant for batting, but might break down later in the day. It’s all about being ruthless and capitalizing on the good work so far and not take the foot off the pedal. He’s been a legend of the game. We know the importance of him in our cricketing careers. We all respect him, we all love him. Got Shardul Thakur making his debut. Kuldeep and Pandey are in.
Lasith Malinga
Were looking to bowl first too. Lot of injuries in last couple of months. Good challenge for me. Hopefully we will do our best. Three changes.
The five-match series, meanwhile, has been already decided with India sealing it after winning the first three ODIs. However, it still holds a huge importance for the hosts as winning the remaining two games of the series can ensure an automatic spot for the 2019 World Cup. India, on the other hand, would be keen to continue the winning streak and put up a good batting show after the indifferent performances from the top-order in the last two games.
Here is the playing eleven of both the teams:
India:
Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur
Sri Lanka:
Niroshan Dickwella(w), Dilshan Munaweera, Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Milinda Siriwardana, Wanidu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya, Malinda Pushpakumara, Vishwa Fernando, Lasith Malinga(c)