IND vs SL India Playing XI for 3rd ODI: The series is wrapped up and a match to go, captain Shikhar Dhawan and coach Rahul Dravid have a major decision to take — should they call up fringe players and give them a chance for the inconsequential final ODI match or stick to winning combination and complete a whitewash. In all probability, the first option looks realistic and the first likely change will be in opening with Prithvi Shaw being rested in favour of Devdutt Padikkal or Ruturaj Gaikwad. The other change could be bringing in Sanju Samson, resting Ishan Kishan keeping the T20 series in mind.
While Team India is not known for making drastic changes to their Playing XI, the young faces in the team could be given a go considering India have already wrapped up the series and have performed admirably in the first two matches. However, two players in the squad who still need time are Manish Pandey and Hardik Pandya. They haven’t had the best time in the middle and are likely to be retained.
IND vs SL India Playing XI for 3rd ODI: India likely to rest one opener with Devdutt Padikkal & Ruturaj Gaikwad set to come in for 3rd ODI
Openers: Shikhar Dhawan & Devdutt Padikkal: Shikhar Dhawan has nothing to prove anymore having slammed an 86 in the 1st ODI. But since Shikhar Dhawan is the captain of the tour, he is certain to continue if he doesn’t drop himself in favour of a youngster in Devdutt Padikkal or Ruturaj Gaikwad. Prithvi Shaw has had explosive starts but he is yet to capitalize on that. But considering Prithvi Shaw is certain to play a major role in the future India tours, he could be rested in favour of Devdutt Padikkal or Ruturaj Gaikwad.
No 3: Ishan Kishan/Sanju Samson: The young wicketkeeper has been in fine form in his 1st ODI series for India while he has also been decent behind the stumps. But considering Sanju Samson is fit and warming the bench, he can still be given a go. If Samson comes in, he could be slotted in at No 5 with Suryakumar Yadav at No 3.
IND vs SL India Playing XI for 3rd ODI:
No 4: Manish Pandey: The middle-order batsman is the other one who will receive another chance. So far, he has had two good starts and has failed to capitalize on both, scoring 26 and 37 respectively. In the last match, he got unlucky and could not add to his 37 off 31 having been run-out. But in the 3rd ODI, he will have another opportunity and this time to have a place in the T20 squad, he must do well.
No 5: Suryakumar Yadav: The late entrant in Team India, Suryakumar Yadav has become the most reliable middle-order batsman for India. He can score at a higher strike rate while also slow down and rotate strikes depending on the situation. That he can bat at No 3, 4, and potentially 6, his flexibility gives India the solidity in the middle-order.
No 6: Hardik Pandya: The first question is if he is fit to play? He didn’t look in good shape in the 2nd ODI as he was seen clutching his lower back, an injury that had kept him out of bowling action for long. To get the match-winner Hardik Pandya back, he must get his bowling form back and that is where he is struggling. If he is fit, he will continue to play. Otherwise, India will have to look for a batsman, potentially in Sanju Samson, depleting India’s pace attack.
IND vs SL India Playing XI for 3rd ODI:
No 7: Krunal Pandya: The all-rounder has silenced his critics with his economical spells in ODIs. While he is yet to shine with the bat, he will still be given a chance to give India the batting depth.
No 8: Deepak Chahar/ Navdeep Saini: Rahul Dravid’s idea to promote him a place in the ODI gave India the goods as he played a match-winning knock in the 2nd ODI. He will retain his place if the team management doesn’t want to rotate the squad. If he is rested for the T20 series, Navdeep Saini will be the other bowler who will come in.
No 9: Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The vice-captain of the tour, Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t been at his best but with T20 World Cup in mind, he will continue to feature in all the remaining four matches against Sri Lanka including three T20s.
IND vs SL India Playing XI for 3rd ODI:
No 10: Yuzvendra Chahal: Chahal has found his rhythm in the series, scalping five wickets in the series so far. It will give him a lot of confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup and considering that he will retain his place.
No 11: Kuldeep Yadav/Krishnappa Gowtham/ Varun Chakravarthy: The other half of the Kul-Cha pair, Kuldeep Yadav, did well in the 1st ODI but wasn’t impressive in the 2nd, returning with zero scalps. While Varun Chakravarthy and Krishnappa Gowtham are two options on the bench. Of the two, Gowtham with his batting ability could give India batting depth.
IND vs SL India Playing XI for 3rd ODI: India likely to rest Prithvi Shaw with Devdutt Padikkal & Ruturaj Gaikwad set to come in for 3rd ODI