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

6. Hardik Pandya

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.