Updated- July 17, 2021
It’s showtime as far as the Indian Cricket team is concerned. It will be the first time we get to see two Indian teams playing simultaneously in different forms of cricket.
While the test team under Virat Kohli will lock horns against England in 5 match test series, the men in blue under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan will be up against Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI and T20 series, which was supposed to starts from the 13th of July But due to Sri Lankan batting coach Grant Flower and data analyst GT Niroshan being found corona positive, the series will now start on July 18.
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It brings us to the discussion about the expected players who will feature in the playing XI in the first match against Sri Lanka. Let us have a look:
India’s Probable Playing XI For The First ODI Against Sri Lanka
Shikhar Dhawan (C) and Prithvi Shaw
Shikhar Dhawan being the captain of the side is a sure-shot opener for the first ODI. His partner can be Prithvi Shaw. He has been in sublime form in the IPL 2021. The squad also features two more openers as Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad. But going by the current form, it looks like the team management will give Prithvi Shaw a go for the first match at least.
No 3 – Surya Kumar Yadav
The middle-order batsmen of Mumbai Indians are expected to bat at number 3 in the batting order. Surya Kumar Yadav can play the role of an anchor batsman the same way Virat Kohli does for team India in ODI. Surya is one of the most important members of the squad.
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No 4- Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey is someone who has been a part of the Indian ODI squad for few games. His experience and ability to shift gears as and when needed will go in his favor. With Nitish Rana also in the team, Manish Pandey can get preference due to his experience.
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No 5- Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is one of the most valuable players for team India in ODI and T20 format. His ability to take the game away from the opposition with belligerent batting is his USP. Hardik Pandya did not bowl during IPL 2021. He is expected to roll his arms during the series against Sri Lanka.
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No 6- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
Ishan Kishan was the talk of the town during the series against England towards the end of 2021. His excellent performance has earned him a place in the ODI squad. Ishan Kishan is likely to be groomed for the future. In such a case, he is expected to get a lot of opportunities.
No 7- Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya has evolved as one of the finest all-rounders in the ODI and T20 format. His ability to play the long handle and quality left-arm spin bowling make him an asset for the team. Krunal Pandya will surely feature in the playing XI.
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No 8- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Vice-captain)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the best swing-bowlers currently playing cricket. He does not generate a lot of paces, but his ability to deceive the batsmen with his slow knuckle deliveries is a great skill. Bhuvi is also named as the vice-captain of the team.
No 9- Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar is someone who can take wickets with the new bowl. He can extract good pace and bounce even on slow pitches. Deepak Chahar can also play some useful knocks batting lower down the order. He seems a certainty in the playing X1 for the first ODI.
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No 10- Navdeep Saini
Navdeep Saini can feature in the playing X1 as the third pace bowler. His Yorkers and off-cutters during the death overs of the game are his skill. Navdeep Saini can also bowl at 140+, which is an added advantage.
No 11- Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal is a regular member of the playing XI in the ODI and T20 teams. Chahal is known for his tight line length. He can also deceive the batsman in flight. With Kuldeep Yadav in the squad, Yuzvendra Chahal may get a go-ahead from the team management, at least for the first ODI.
