SL vs IND ODI Series 2024: India's predicted XI against Sri Lanka for 2nd ODI

Following an absolute spectacle in a dramatic tie between Sri Lanka and India, the same venue in Colombo is poised to host the second ODI on August 4, 2024. India would likely perceive the outcome as a defeat, given their dominant position in the start of the chase and throughout the first innings. The Indian team will be eager to rebound and elevate their performance from the first game of the series.

Also Read: Sri Lanka vs India Match Preview, 2nd ODI

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

Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill

The pitch appeared entirely different for most other batters from both sides, but it seemed a different proposition when Rohit Sharma took the crease, unleashing a fiery batting display from the onset. He will would be keen to deliver another captivating performance, aiming to secure a substantial score this time around.

Following a successful tour in Zimbabwe and a decent T20I series against Sri Lanka, Gill experienced an uncharacteristic off-day with the bat in the opening ODI. It was atypical for him to struggle with timing on most of the 35 deliveries he faced. However, neither he nor the team management is likely to dwell on this performance, as Gill will aim to amass a respectable score in the second ODI.

Middle-order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk)

Kohli exuded palpable energy on the field during the Lankan batting innings, yet he was unable tostay for long enoug in the middle, being dismissed for 24. Given his exceptional calibre, he will undoubtedly seek to assert his dominance, reminding everyone why he is regarded as one of the finest ODI batters in the world.

Considering the first ODI marked Iyer's return to competitive cricket post IPL 2024, he displayed impressive form, punctuating his 23-run innings with four well-executed boundaries. For the remainder of the series, he is anticipated to be the glue of the middle-order.

Although many anticipated Pant to be entrusted with the wicketkeeping duties for the first game, it was the incumbent KL Rahul who received the nod. He appeared remarkably fresh and agile behind the stumps and displayed commendable responsibility with the bat as well. The management is expected to continue backing him in the forthcoming matches.

All-rounders: Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel

Although Sundar's performance was not detrimental nor marked by any significant errors, it is expected that the management will opt to give Parag his ODI debut. Given the substantial purchase he generated during the T20Is, Parag is likely to be allotted a considerable number of overs.

Dube performed commendably in the overs allotted to him and demonstrated considerable prowess with the bat, nearly steering the Indians to victory. He is once again anticipated to deliver another robust innings to counter the Sri Lankan spinners effectively.

Axar was arguably the standout performer with the bat as far as the middle-order is concerned, conceding only 33 runs while claiming two wickets. Despite an initial struggle with the bat, he recovered admirably, and his overall performance is likely to instill the confidence needed for continued success.

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh

Kuldeep's performance with the ball closely mirrored that of Axar's, albeit with one fewer wicket. His control was exceptionally precise. However, he was undone by a spectacular delivery with the bat, and he will likely seek to contribute more effectively with the bat should the opportunity arise. Meanwhile, 

Siraj was the sole bowler to deliver two maidens in the first game, showcasing considerable movement early on. He will likely aim to maintain those precise lines and lengths in subsequent matches.

Arshdeep, the joint-highest wicket-taker at the T20 World Cup 2024, proved somewhat expensive in the context of the match. With the bat, he had an opportunity to clinch victory for his team but fell short on that front as well. Nevertheless, his resilience and fortitude are likely to propel him to return with even greater vigor.

India's predicted playing XI for the second ODI against Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh