Having already sealed the series with contrasting victories – a comfortable one in defense in Guwahati and a hard-fought one in pursuit in Kolkata – Rohit’s men wouldn’t mind a little more clinical effort against the island nation in the latest tour game. .
A 3-0 series win before facing higher quality opposition in New Zealand in less than 72 hours will keep the team in good shape.
Hello Trivandrum 👋🏻 We are here for the 3️⃣rd and final #INDvSL ODI ✅#TeamIndia https://t.co/xzpr7UTCMT
— BCCI (@BCCI) 1673624088000
Workload management has been the buzzword in Indian cricket for the past couple of years and while it has benefits, there have been distinct pitfalls with players not finding a rhythm after received periodic rests.
This could precisely be the reason why the Indian skipper might simply not play Ishan Kishan at the top or Suryakumar Yadav in the middle order in the last game.
All of the top five hitters, including the versatile Hardik Pandya, won’t mind a little more batting time against a decent Sri Lankan offense at Greenfields Stadium, which is known to help bowlers.
Therefore, the possible changes could occur in the composition of the bowling.
With India playing six 50-plus games in 14 days – three against Sri Lanka and the same against New Zealand, Mohammed Shami’s workload will be a major concern for the Indian team’s management.
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Shami would have to take on the responsibility of leading the Indian attack during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tests, so his workload would require maximum supervision.
He should play close to 125-130 overs in the four Tests, fitness permitting.
Arshdeep Singhthe left arm tailor, could be tried for variations as he also needs game time after being roughed up against the Lankans in one of the T20 matches.
If the wicket is right, Arshdeep could be more than a handful for the Lankan batters with his ability to get the ball right-handed or straighten it down the center stump channel.
Kuldeep Yadav got the player of the match award again and as he replaced an injured Yuzvendra Shahal (shoulder niggle) it would be interesting to see what Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid would do if the right arm wrist spinner gets back into shape.
Kuldeep endured the misfortune of being left out after winning the ‘player of the match’ award in the Chattogram test and in case Chahal is fit, he is still considered the top wrist choice.
Axar Patel, who has been the team’s go-to man across formats, will take a break for a personal commitment during the New Zealand series.
If the team wants to check Washington Sundar before the series against the Black Caps, the third ODI is an ideal platform.
In the batting department, Shubman Gill, who looked most at home on tricky Eden Gardens pitch before dumping it, wouldn’t like to let his guard down knowing that Ishan Kishan is coming off as a serious candidate for the role of opener.
As for the Sri Lankan side, the biggest advantage of the over-50 series would be to unearth some quality talent in fly-half Nuwanidu Fernando, who turned fifty on his debut.
Teams: (from)
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ashen Bandara, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan and Lahiru Kumara.
The game begins: 1:30 p.m. IST.
