With India playing six 50-over matches (three against Sri Lanka and as many against New Zealand) in a span of 14 days, Mohammed Shami’s workload will certainly be a major concern for the Indian team management. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Shami is expected to lead the Indian attack during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, so his workload will be taken into account the most. If he remains fit, he is expected to bowl around 125 to 130 overs in these four Tests.
Left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh could be tried for variety as he too needs some ‘game time’. Arshdeep can be very beneficial if the wicket remains favourable. Kuldeep Yadav was again the player of the match, replacing the injured Yuzvendra Chahal (shoulder injury). It will be interesting to see what captain and head coach Rahul Dravid will do if he is fit.
Akshar Patel will take a break during the New Zealand series due to personal reasons. If the team wants to try Washington Sundar before this series, then the third ODI would be the ideal platform. In the batting department, Shubman Gill would also like to continue his good form as he knows that Kishan is a strong contender to open the innings. As far as the Sri Lankan team is concerned, the good thing for them is that this 50-over series produced some great talent in the form of opener Nuanidu Fernando, who scored a half-century on debut.
The teams are as follows:
India: Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Akshar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samaravikram, Charit Aslanka, Dhananjaya D’Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ashen Bandara, Mahesh Teekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajita, Nuvanidu Fernando, Dunith Velalage, Pramod Madushan and Lahiru Kumara . Time: The match will start at 1.30 pm.
Source: navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
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