Predicting India’s Playing XI for their 3rd T20I game against Sri Lanka

Team India’s new chapter in the T20 format got a fitting opening as they clinched the three-match series against Sri Lanka. The series marked Gautam Gambhir’s first appointment as head coach and Suryakumar Yadav as full-time captain. The Men in Blue are now aiming for a 3-0 whitewash with one match remaining. 

The two Asian teams will face each other at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday (July 30) for the third T20I. The visitors won the series opener by 43 runs and followed it up with a thrilling seven-wicket win. With the series already in hand, will India go for some changes in the Playing XI? 

Here is India’s predicted playing XI for the 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka:

Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill 

The opening pair of Yashaswi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill is likely to return for the final T20I. Gill was ruled out of the previous match due to a neck spasm and he was replaced by Sanju Samson in the opening slot. However, the keeper-batter failed to capitalize on the opportunity as he was out for a golden duck. Notably, Gill had played a quick-fire knock in the first match. Meanwhile, Jaiswal was impressive in both matches, scoring 40 and 30 runs, respectively, at a staggering strike rate. 

Middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Rinku Singh

Suryakumar Yadav did not let the pressure of captaincy affect his batting. The right-hander was adjudged Player of the Match in the series opener for his match-winning fifty. In the following match, he scored a 12-ball 26. Keeper-batter Rishabh Pant played a decent knock in the first match but failed to shine in the previous encounter. Rinku Singh hasn’t got a proper chance in the series so far, but it is worth noting that he was unable to finish the innings in the first T20I. 

All-rounders: Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar 

Riyan Parag’s inclusion in the first T20I was criticised by many but he shut down the critics by establishing a name for himself as all-rounder. The right-arm spinner grabbed three wickets and helped India wrap up the innings quickly. Notably, in the second match, he was allowed to bowl his quota of four overs. 

Hardik Pandya played a blistering knock (22* off 9) in the last match to help India chase down the target at a rapid pace. The fast-bowling all-rounder also picked up two wickets. With the upcoming match being a dead rubber, India is likely to rest Axar Patel and bring in Washington Sundar. 

Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj

Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the pace attack. Siraj was expected to be lethal against Sri Lanka considering his recent success against The Lions. However, the right-arm pacer managed to bag just one wicket in the series so far. Meanwhile, Arshdeep continued to perform well, taking two wickets each in both matches. Ravi Bishnoi was adjudged Player of the Match in the second match. The right-arm spinner wreaked havoc with his leg spin resulting in three wickets. 

IND Predicted XI vs SL:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj

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