The Indian cricket team has become one of the powerhouses in world cricket over the last few years. However, for the first time in a long time, the Men in Blue will go for a tour without their star players. The Indian Test squad will be in the United Kingdom when another squad leaves for Sri Lanka to play three ODIs and three T20Is.
The team for the Sri Lankan tour will most likely feature all IPL stars who have been on the bench for Team India. Also, some players who lost their place in the team may make a comeback. Here’s a list of five such players who could return to the Indian cricket team for the Sri Lanka tour.
1. Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik is one of the top wicket-keepers in India right now. With Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Wriddhiman Saha set to tour England, Karthik could potentially receive a call-up to the Indian team. One of the main reasons behind it is Karthik’s good record in Sri Lanka.
Every cricket fan would remember how he won the Nidahas Trophy for India with his brilliant batting. Karthik could play the finisher’s role and keep the wickets for the team in the series against Sri Lanka.
2. Prithvi Shaw can earn a spot in the Indian cricket team
Prithvi Shaw was one of the best players in the recently suspended IPL 2021 season. He destroyed the opposition bowling attacks in the tournament, and he had done the same job when playing for Mumbai in the domestic circuit.
A few fans were surprised when the selectors did not pick him for the tour of England. However, the right-handed batsman could likely make his comeback in the series against Sri Lanka.
3. Sanju Samson
Apart from Dinesh Karthik, Sanju Samson is another wicket-keeper batsman who could return to the Indian cricket team. Sanju was a part of the T20I squad for the away series against Australia last year.
However, the selection committee did not name him in the series against England. Samson could likely return to the squad, especially after doing well for the Rajasthan Royals in the recently suspended IPL 2021.
4. Manish Pandey could return to the Indian cricket team
Manish Pandey is one of the fittest cricketers in the world. The right-handed batsman performed well for the Sunrisers Hyderabad team in the first half of the IPL 2021 season.
Pandey has also done a good job for the Men in Blue, but he recently lost his place in the team. Pandey will likely be back in the squad for the Sri Lanka tour.
5. Navdeep Saini
Navdeep Saini has quickly become one of the top right-arm fast bowlers in India. After impressing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Saini earned a place in the Indian cricket team.
Unfortunately, because of his disappointing performances, Saini lost his spot in the team. But the Royal Challengers Bangalore star should be back in the Indian team for the series against Sri Lanka. It will be intriguing to see which of these five players make a comeback to the squad.
