The third and final ODI of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka is set to be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.
Following a surprising 32-run defeat in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday (August 4), the Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, will be eager to deliver a strong performance in the series finale on Wednesday (August 7).
As the top-ranked ODI team in the world, India is determined to secure a victory in the last match of the series to avoid the humiliation of losing an ODI series to an injury-stricken Sri Lankan team.
Following a disappointing performance from the middle-order batsmen in the first two ODIs, the Indian team management is expected to make several changes to the playing XI for the crucial match. Riyan Parag, making his debut in the ODI squad, may get his first opportunity.
The 22-year-old Parag is known for his reliability as a middle-order batsman and his ability to bowl. He notably took three wickets for just five runs during the first T20I between India and Sri Lanka in Pallekele on July 27.
Shivam Dube, who bowled a few overs in the second ODI but did not score as the No. 4 batsman, might be replaced by Parag. Additionally, there is a strong possibility that Rishabh Pant will feature in the series decider.
Pant, who played in all eight matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 for India, has been sidelined in the first two ODIs as KL Rahul was chosen as the wicketkeeper-batter. However, given Rahul’s underwhelming performance in the second ODI, Pant could be brought in to replace him.
Pant, who played in all eight matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 for India, has been sidelined in the first two ODIs as KL Rahul was chosen as the wicketkeeper-batter. However, given Rahul’s underwhelming performance in the second ODI, Pant could be brought in to replace him.
In the bowling department, India will be counting on the pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, as well as spinner Kuldeep Yadav, for the third ODI. Siraj, who has historically performed well against Sri Lanka, has not met expectations so far, and Arshdeep has also been slightly out of form.
The probable playing XI for India in the third ODI against Sri Lanka is: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh.