Team India and Sri Lanka will be involved in a three-match T20I series as part of the tour. Having won the ODI series comfortably, India will be the firm favourites in T20Is, too. In this article, we predict India’s playing XI for the first T20I against Sri Lanka.
The first game will occur on 25th July at Colombo. All three games in the tournament will happen in the capital city. With the World T20 scheduled later this year, both teams will be keen to impress their respective managements. India has a lot of new faces, and it needs to be seen if any of these cricketers will get a chance.
Openers In Playing XI For The First T20I Against Sri Lanka: Shikhar Dhawan (C) and Prithvi Shaw
Rahul Dravid and co. will likely stick with the same opening combination for the T20I series as well. Being the captain, Shikhar Dhawan is a sure inclusion while in-form batsman Prithvi Shaw is all set to make his T20I debut. Although he is the captain, Dhawan will be keen to make a few quick runs so that his position in the World T20 is confirmed. On the other hand, Shaw has been in exceptional form and it is best if the management makes the best use of it. His approach is anyways suited to the T20 format, as seen in IPL.
Middle-Order: Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (WK) and Sanju Samson
After a long time, Team India will have a middle-order that’s devoid of any player who is an expert in playing the anchor role. Hence, it will be an exciting watch for the fans. Suryakumar Yadav will play at No.3 for this XI. He has started well in his international career and a decent show will ensure a selection to the World T20 squad for the Mumbaikar. Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson will have their task cut out to make an impression. They will have to be their very best if they need to be considered for the World T20. If Sanju is not fit, Nitish Rana could get to make his debut in the middle-order.
All-Rounders In Playing XI For The First T20I Against Sri Lanka: Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya
The Pandya brothers will continue to keep their position in this department. Hardik Pandya needs to gain momentum ahead of the World T20. Hence, he must target to score big and ensure he is in a good headspace. It will also be beneficial if he could support the bowling unit with an over or two. Krunal Pandya has actually been decent in the ODI series. He may not be in the race to make it to the World T20 team but a few good displays could place him in a better position.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Varun CV and Yuzvendra Chahal
Although Bhuvi and Deepak are similar bowlers, India is likely to go ahead with them for the T20I series too. Bhuvi will be a sure selection considering he will have a big job to do in the World T20 squad. If Deepak can do well at the death, he could trigger a debate regarding his case. Kuldeep Yadav is unlikely to make it to the T20I XI. Instead, Varun CV could finally make his debut. It would not be a surprise if Dhawan also uses him at the death. Owing to his decent start to the series, Chahal may play in the T20I games. Rahul Chahar, too, has a realistic chance.
