SL vs IND ODI Series 2024: India's predicted XI against Sri Lanka for 1st ODI

India are set to contend with Sri Lanka in the first ODI of their three-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2, 2024. Among the six cricketers, including batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who were not part of the T20I squad, have recently journeyed to the capital city in preparation for the impending 50-over series. The development significantly intensifies the speculation regarding the selection of the playing XI from the 15-member squad for the first match. 

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

Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill

While Rohit will be arriving rejuvenated from the T20 World Cup 2024 title victory, Gill, who was included among the travelling reserves for the prestigious tournament, has been a consistent presence within the team. His form appears to be well-honed, given his commendable performances in both the Zimbabwe ODI series and the Sri Lankan T20Is. This is not to suggest that Rohit will be anything less than formidable; rather, he is expected to arrive with renewed vigor.

Middle-order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk)

With the T20I format now behind him following his retirement announcement after the historic triumph in Barbados, Kohli is poised to channel his full intensity and concentration into the 50-over format, beginning with the upcoming series.

Iyer's most-recent appearance was in IPL 2024, where he adeptly guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in late May. Given his extended absence from competitive play, he will be keenly aiming for a strong re-entry.

Pant’s resumption into cricket, following a protracted hiatus, was highlighted by a notably solid performance in the T20 World Cup with the bat. However, it was his exceptional agility behind the stumps that truly impressed. He is anticipated to resume his characteristic aggressive style of play whenever he gets the chance to bat.

All-rounders: Riyan Parag, Axar Patel

Under the new regime of Gautam Gambhir, Parag is poised to be recognised as a bonafide all-rounder, fully adept at sending crucial overs when required, as demonstrated in the recently-concluded T20I series.

Axar’s utility as a lower middle-order batter is well known. His versatility enables him to go up in the order when required, exemplified by his pivotal innings against the Proteas just over a month back in the summit clash of the World Cup. Additionally, with the ball, he has proven his effectiveness, having secured two or more wickets on three occasions in his last five matches.

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana

Despite enduring a challenging final against the Proteas batters in the global event, Kuldeep remains a prime selection based on his performances leading up to that match and the characteristics of the Colombo pitch, which is expected to favor a cunning spinner like him. 

Arshdeep's maturity was exemplified in this year’s 20-over World Cup, where he amassed 17 wickets across the eight matches. Despite conceding 48 runs in his six overs during the Sri Lanka series, he would be expected to remain undeterred, having claimed a couple of wickets in each of his outings.

Although Siraj secured only a single wicket in his three appearances against the islanders, he would be unperturbed, having maintained a commendable economy rate of 6.77 throughout the series. Instead, he would be eager to face one of his favored adversaries, particularly in the 50-over format, where he has previously amassed 19 wickets in six matches.

Harshit is anticipated to make his ODI debut and is expected to excel with his aggressive approach, a quality clearly evidenced by his wholehearted and spirited performances in recent IPL seasons.

India's Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana