Nidahas Trophy 2018, 4th T20I, Sri Lanka vs India - India Predicted XI

The Nidahas Trophy 2018 was expected to be a total domination show by the Indian team. However, when hosts Sri Lanka beat team India in the first game of the series, the critics knew that the competition was wide alive. The pre-tournament favorites, after being humbled in the series opener, came back strong to win in their next game against Bangladesh.

In the third match, the Sri Lankan team, that had looked ruthless against the Indian team, succumbed to a shock defeat against Bangladesh. With this backdrop, the stage is now set for the second leg of the series where all these three sides will compete for the second time in the series against each other. Sri Lanka are set to play India in the fourth match of the Nidahas Trophy.

Earlier, many would have backed Sri Lanka to be a strong side after their win in the series opener. But their recent defeat has brought them back in the bracket of uncertainties. Despite this, the Indian team will not want to take the hosts lightly. Hence, they will try to put their best combinations forward as they head in to the match.

Here is the India Predicted XI for the match:

Openers (Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma)

The opening pair for team India looks very set for the match. The kind of form Shikhar Dhawan has been in, it is only going to be stupid to see him sit out for the next game. In fact, it would not be wrong to state that he is the only Indian batsman who has shown consistency with the bat in the series thus far.

The other opener would be the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit has been in a terrible form but owing to the fact that he is leading the side, he certainly fits the list. He would be hoping to lead the team from the front and end his dry run with the bat.

Middle-Order (Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant)

In the middle order, the Indian team really needs someone to step up. Veteran batsman Suresh Raina was expected to shoulder responsibility with the bat in the absence of senior players. But he has had two failures in the series already. But, he is certain to get another opportunity.

Something similar goes for young Rishabh Pant. Pant came in the lower middle order in the first game. Many believed his true position could be the top order. He was promoted at number three in the previous game but that turned out to be a failure as well. However, in all likelihood, he looks set to get another go in the next game.

Manish Pandey has been getting runs in the previous few games but there has been a lack of consistency. Furthermore, his striking rate has been a key concern for the team. Manish would be itching to better his numbers in the game against Sri Lanka.

Wicketkeeper (Dinesh Karthik)

It is only unfortunate to see Dinesh Karthik not getting too many opportunities to bat. Dinesh Karthik has looked very impressive in the handful of deliveries that he has faced in his previous few appearances for the national side. With the gloves, he has looked decent behind the wickets. He would be hoping for a good game against Sri Lanka.

All-rounders (Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar)

In the all-rounder department, team India has found two very able players in the series thus far. Young off spinner Washington Sundar has been bowling exceedingly well in the powerplays. When the other bowlers have found it tough bowling with the new ball, Sundar has managed to keep things tight up front.

The other all-rounder who has been quite impressive thus far is Vijay Shankar. In the previous game against Bangladesh, Vijay Shankar was arguably the most impressive Indian bowler on the day. Not only did he choke the run flow, but also managed to take wickets at crucial junctures in the game. Well, only to add, he is an equally capable batsman and would hope to make an impact in that department as well.

Spinners (Yuzvendra Chahal)

Leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had come up with a big name in the series. After a successful ODI series and a poor T20I series in South Africa, Chahal had his fortress to regain in the shortest format of the game. However, in the two matches played thus far, he has failed to impress much. He, however, is likely to retain his place in the side.

Fast bowlers (Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur)

In the fast bowling department, it is unlikely that team India will tinker with the bowling combination of Shardul Thakur and Jaydev Unadkat. It is worth noting that the Indian captain Rohit Sharma had noted that he believes in backing his players, and hence, it will only be a surprise if either of these two bowlers are rested for the game.

Coming to the performances, Jaydev Unadkat has managed to break partnerships, albeit at a high cost. On the other hand, Shardul Thakur had a nightmare outing against Sri Lanka in the first game. He, however, put up a much more economical show in the match against Bangladesh.

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