The primary <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-teams/india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian</a> squad is off to the English shores. With an all-important ICC Test Championship Final knocking on the doors, all eyes will be on the squad led by Captain Kohli. Later on, after the final, the team is scheduled to play five Test matches against England. Well, it looks like the Indian team has a packed schedule ahead of them.

As the premier players are practicing for their encounters against New Zealand and England, the BCCI has decided that it will send a second-string India squad to Sri Lanka. It will be the first time since 2018 that Team India will play a cricket series on Lankan soil.

As the BCCI has announced the team, there are a lot of surprises for the fans. Many players have been added and many have been overlooked. Some players will get a chance to sport the national jersey for the first time and some will get their shot at redemption.

Here is the predicted playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka:

1. Shikhar Dhawan (Captain)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-356783" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_347815.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-356783" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan of India.(Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)</figcaption>

There is no doubt that Shikhar Dhawan’s inconsistency in Test cricket led to his downfall in the longer format. He had a superb debut against Australia, but he struggled in English conditions. But, in the limited-overs format, he is one of the finest timers of the ball. Few injuries and KL Rahul’s redemption meant that he had to sit out of the team. But, during the series against England, he found his form.

Not only that, Dhawan was consistent in the 2020 season of the IPL. This year too, he has been in sublime touch with the bat. In 142 ODI games, Dhawan has been scoring at an average of 45.28. With 5977 runs, he is a successful opener for India.

He has been appointed as the captain of this young side. Well, an experience of 142 ODI games and 64 T20Is will help the stylish batsman. Dhawan also has 17 ODI centuries to his name. Adding on, the services of various IPL stars will give him a variety of options, both with the bat and ball.

2. Prithvi Shaw

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-260981" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prithvi-Shaw.jpg" alt="Prithvi Shaw" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-260981" class="wp-caption-text">Prithvi Shaw of India A. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)</figcaption>

“Success doesn’t happen overnight”. This is what the youngster said after he made a return to the national side. Last year, after a few swashbuckling innings, Prithvi Shaw was having a horrible time Down Under. His weakness was exposed by the best bowling attack in the world. As a result, he was dropped from the squad.

After returning to the domestic circuit, he was in terrific form. To get back in form, he had to make some minor adjustments. During the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 827 runs with the highest score of 227 not out. He had an average of 165.40.

Adding on, in 8 innings, he scored 4 centuries and one-half century. He carried his form into the IPL. In 8 innings, he has scored 308 runs. A strike rate of 166.48 speaks for his dominance.

3. Manish Pandey

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-224883" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-224883" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey of India. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Manish Pandey, the batsman who failed to get enough chances to grow as a mega star, will get another shot to make a mark. He was a member of the Under 19 squad that won the World Cup in 2008. Most of the fans would have even forgotten that he was the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. He had scored 114 from 73 balls in 2009.

But, Pandey has been in and out of the team. It was difficult to get into a squad that had the likes of Sachin, Sehwag, Gambhir, and Kohli as the top-order batsmen. But, Pandey has been a successful batsman in the domestic circuit. He played a blinder in the 2014 IPL final to help KKR lift the trophy for the second time in three years.

Pandey has played 39 T20s and 26 ODIs for India. He averages 44.31 and 35.14 in T20s and ODIs respectively. For this second-string team, these stats will be of immense importance as he could take the number three place. Adding on, he is one of the finest fielders in the circuit.

4. Suryakumar Yadav

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-496899" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suryakumar-Yadav-and-Virat-Kohli.jpg" alt="Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-496899" class="wp-caption-text">Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Suryakumar Yadav is the most important player in this team. The Mumbai-based batsman has been in sublime touch since he rejoined Mumbai Indians in 2018. He is a terrific batsman who can take the game away from the opposition with ease. “Fearless” is another word we can associate with Surya. The best example that justifies his fearless approach is the six he smashed against Jofra Archer earlier this year.

If Yadav manages to perform as per the expectations, he might make it to the national squad later on. With two years remaining for the ICC World Cup, he could fit in as the perfect number four. Adding on, he can apply according to the situations. This is the best thing about this stylish batsman.

Talking about the experience, Yadav has played 108 IPL games. Given the fact that it is difficult to be consistent in the IPL, his performance since 2018 showcases his abilities. In 2018, 2019, and 2020, he scored 1434 runs for Mumbai Indians. Apart from that, a strike rate of 135.28 is a sign of his aggressiveness.

5. Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-394766" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-1.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-394766" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The team management will have to make a tough choice as they will choose either Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper. But, with Samson having more experience, he is our first choice wicketkeeper. Adding on, he has a proper technique and could be a valuable addition to the main squad later on. Samson is also a terrific striker of the cricket ball, who can take the game into the final stages even when other players are struggling.

He has played seven T20Is so far. With just 83 runs and a poor average of 11.8, the numbers do not justify his talents. But, with a team filled with star players and modern-day giants, Sanju had to bat down the order where he had to face 5-6 balls. There is no doubt that he is a top-order batsman, not a lower order.

He has played 114 IPL games till now. With 2861 runs with a healthy average of 28.9, he has been a consistent scorer for Rajasthan Royals. During his time with the Delhi Daredevils, he was a great contributor too, along with Rishabh Pant. With the team opting for Pant as the first choice keeper, Samson has to succeed with the bat so that he could make a name for himself for upcoming tours and tournaments.

6. Hardik Pandya

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-357861" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_344636.jpg" alt="CT_344636" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-357861" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya of India. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Hardik Pandya has been one of the most influential cricketers since ICC Champions Trophy 2017. His clean and brutal ball-striking abilities enabled him to become the finisher as Dhoni was at the sunset of his career. Pandya has won many matches for India. With Jadeja improving his batting skills and becoming the match-winner for India, Pandya too has been adding up lower down the order.

Think of a situation where India has been scoring at a mediocre rate. A player like Pandya can steer up the run rate with his clean hitting. Although he has lost his place in the Test format, clinical performance in ODIs will help him to establish himself as the permanent rounder along with Jadeja.

Pandya has played 60 ODIs so far. With a strike rate of 117.31, he has been an effective batsman lower down the order. Adding on, he has picked 55 wickets in the 50 over format. Pandya has been bowling at an economy of 5.56 in ODIs, but injuries have affected him as a bowler.

7. Krunal Pandya

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-477913" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Krunal-Pandya-India.jpg" alt="Krunal Pandya India" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-477913" class="wp-caption-text">Krunal Pandya India. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Krunal Pandya is one of the most vital members of the MI squad. Along with his brother and Pollard, they form the most destructive middle order. Krunal was picked up in the ODI squad earlier this year. In three ODI games, he scored 95 runs with an average of 95.

Although he had a poor series with the ball, as he bowled with an economy rate of eight, Krunal has been a decent bowler in the IPL. In 78 IPL games, he has picked 49 wickets. An economy rate of 7.29 speaks volumes about his ability to bowl tight lines.

In T20Is, Krunal has played 18 games and has been striking the ball at a rate of 131.52. With the ball, he has an economy of 8.11 in T20Is. Apart from that, he is a terrific fielder too. His experience could be of great value to this young team.

8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-357939" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_344375.jpg" alt="Bhuvneshwar Kumar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-357939" class="wp-caption-text">Bhuvneshwar Kumar. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the vice-captain of this Indian squad. Since his debut, he has been one of the most consistent bowlers. Although a Test match experience of 21 in seven years does not justify his abilities, injuries have hampered his progress in the longest format of the game. But, as he returned to the international arena in March 2021, he was up to the mark.

Kumar even won the ICC Player of the Month in March. He has played 117 ODIs and 48 T20Is. In ODIs, he has the highest score of 53 against Sri Lanka. Hence, he is not the worst tailender by any means.

Talking about his bowling, Kumar has an economy rate of 5.02 in ODIs. He has picked 138 wickets so far. In T20Is, he has been bowling at an economy rate of 6.98 in 48 games. The vice-captain is also an experienced death bowler, who has served for many years for the team.

9. Deepak Chahar

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-358248" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_343536.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-358248" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Chahar. (Photo by David Davies/PA Wire)</figcaption>

Deepak Chahar has been the premier bowler for CSK since 2018. He is not a bowler who depends on pace to pick up wickets. Rather, he will trouble the batsman with his line and length. Swing is another factor that has helped him to pick 53 wickets in the IPL.

Chahar has been a decent bowler in the T20Is too. In 13 games, he has picked 18 wickets. Adding on, he has the best bowling figure of 6/7 in T20I. In ODIs, he has played just three games so far.

Talking about his effectiveness, Chahar bowls at an economy of 7.68 in the IPL. In T20Is, he has an economy of 7.57 and 6.14 in ODIs. Overall, he is a bowler who could choke the flow of runs from one end. He could open the bowling along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

10. Chetan Sakariya

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-509434" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chetan-Sakariya-2.jpg" alt="Chetan Sakariya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-509434" class="wp-caption-text">Chetan Sakariya. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Chetan Sakariya was one of the major surprising inclusions as the selectors declared the squad for the Sri Lankan tour. The left-arm bowler has seen almost everything in the last few months. He was picked by the  Rajasthan Royals in the IPL auctions, which was a major achievement for a net bowler. But, he lost his father and brother, which was a major setback for him.

However, he has proved to the selectors that he could be the “next big thing” in Indian cricket. He has bowled during difficult situations and has succeeded in picking up wickets. With many variations in his arsenal,he can easily trouble the batsman. An international experience could help him to grow as a bowler.

During the first half of the IPL, he has been Rajasthan&#8217;s most impressive bowler. In seven games, he has picked 7 wickets. An economy rate of 8.22 is impressive, given the fact that Rajasthan played most of their games at Mumbai. Dhawan could use Sakariya as a death bowler, just like Samson did in the IPL.

11. Yuzvendra Chahal

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-358457" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_342987.jpg" alt="CT_342987" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-358457" class="wp-caption-text">India&#8217;s Yuzvendra Chahal. (MARTY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Yuzvendra Chahal has been on the international circuit since 2016. He is a successful white-ball bowler. For the Royal Challengers Bangalore, he has been their leading wicket-taker. In the IPL, he has picked 125 wickets in 106 games.

Chahal has been Kohli’s go-to man in difficult times. In 54 ODIs, he has been bowling at an economy rate of 5.21. He has picked 92 wickets so far for the team. He bowls during the middle overs and dries up the runs from one end.

With Krunal in the team, Dhawan can use Chahal to choke the Sri Lankan batsmen during the middle phase. His experience and his effectiveness will be a great asset to the team. He has also played 48 T20Is, in which he has the best bowling figure of 6/25. He might be picked ahead of Kuldeep as Chahal has been in a better form comparatively.

Here is the predicted playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

India’s Predicted Playing XI for ODI series against Sri Lanka

India Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka: Check out the predicted India playing XI for the first ODI against Sri Lanka on CricTracker.