SL vs IND 2024: India’s predicted XI for Sri Lanka T20Is
All-rounder: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
Hardik Pandya was expected to be the natural successor to Rohit Sharma after the latter retired from T20Is after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 title glory. However, the BCCI stated that they were looking for someone who can be a regular feature for the team and not prone to injuries.
This is why they appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the captain. Hardik Pandya who was the T20 World Cup 2024 final hero for his last over bowling heroics, will be playing as a pure all-rounder. On the other hand, Axar Patel who was rested for Zimbabwe T20Is is back in the mix.
Axar who accounted for nine dismissals in T20 World Cup 2024 will be aiming to weave the magic with the ball on spin friendly conditions. Besides that, he could come in handy in situations when the team is in dire need for runs in the latter stages of the game.
Bowlers: Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
Washington Sundar made a stellar comeback in the Zimbabwe T20Is. He finished the T20I series as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 8 wickets. He can restrict runs and build pressure on the opposition. His knack for picking wickets while also maintaining a low economy rate is exactly what the team needs.
Ravi Bishnoi who has a barrage of variations in his sleeve can be a game-changer in the upcoming T20Is. Moreover, he was overlooked for the T20 World Cup 2024. Hence, he will be looking to stage a great comeback. He is known for his potential to deceive the batsmen with his googlies and sharp turn.
Bishnoi is expected to pack a hefty punch in Pallekele as the conditions would suit him. Arshdeep Singh who took 17 wickets in T20 World Cup 2024 will be back in action in full swing. The left-arm pacer can excel on the Pallekele pitch. The track offers bit of assistance to seamers, especially in the initial overs.
The track can sometimes offer extra bounce, which he can exploit with his variations and cutters. Since the pitch can offer extra bounce and seam movement, Mohammed Siraj is expected to do well with his pace to ruffle the batters’ feathers.
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