ODI World Cup 2023: India's strongest predicted playing XI against Sri Lanka

India (IND) will be taking on Sri Lanka (SL) in the 33^rd match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on November 2. India are in exceptional form, displaying remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. They have successfully harnessed the home advantage and seem well-rounded, proving to be an unstoppable force with their string of six victories.

India boasts a roster filled with game-changing talents, and at the forefront stands the dynamic captain Rohit Sharma. His stellar performance against England, where he scored a sensational 87 off 101 in challenging conditions, earned him the Player of the Match title. Currently, Rohit leads the team in runs, amassing 398 at an impressive average of 66.33 and a strike rate of nearly 120.

India's bowling unit has been scorching the field in the current World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah, with his remarkable 14 wickets at an economy rate of 3.91, has been the exceptional alongside the fiery Mohammed Shami, who snatched nine wickets in just two matches. The duo has been relentless in securing early breakthroughs while the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav (10 wickets at an economy of 4.50) and Ravindra Jadeja (8 wickets at an economy of 3.75) are striking consistently in the middle-overs.

Here's India's Predicted XI against Sri Lanka:

Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma enjoys a distinct advantage at the opening slot. His current form mirrors that of a perpetually in-form batter. Should Rohit stay for long at the crease, it will pose a formidable challenge for Sri Lanka to regain control. 

Shubman Gill's arrival in the team after the initial two games brought an immediate impact. He possesses the ability to turn the tide in his team's favour. With 104 runs under his belt from four innings, Gill has not been able to set the tournament alight thus far. But he will be determined to bolster his tally as he still remains the leading run-scorer in ODIs this year.

Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav

Despite an uncharacteristic dismissal against England, Virat Kohli remains an enigma for opponents. He has displayed exceptional form this year, accumulating 354 runs in five innings at an impressive average of 88.50 in the current tournament. If he finds his rhythm, Kohli has the potential to steer India towards victory on his own.

Shreyas Iyer, occupying the crucial No. 4 spot, stands as a key concern in the Indian lineup. With just 134 runs scored in the tournament so far, he has shown just flashes of promise. Iyer's challenge lies in converting these starts into substantial innings, a facet he is yet to master. Nevertheless, he plays a pivotal role in India's potent middle-rder.

KL Rahul has exhibited outstanding batting prowess ever since his return from the injury. His consistent performances have fortified India's batting lineup. Rahul's ability to adapt makes him a crucial asset. He has scored 216 runs in the limited innings he has played so far. The 97-run knock against Australia stands as testament to his batting prowess.

Suryakumar Yadav, making his tournament debut against New Zealand, fell victim to an unfortunate run-out. However, his composed 49-run innings against England showcased his adaptability to match demands. With the potential to be a game-changer when he starts connecting with the ball, Yadav, known for his T20 exploits, is India's X-factor. 

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja 

Ravindra Jadeja's standout performance came against New Zealand, where his vital contributions with the bat, particularly his partnership with Virat Kohli, secured India's triumph. While he fetched a wicket against England, he could not replicate his batting success. With an impressive tally of eight wickets at an economy rate of 3.75, Jadeja remains a pivotal asset in the team's arsenal.

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

England's historical struggle against spin was evident in their recent encounter with Kuldeep Yadav. His ability to spin the ball on any pitch makes him a trump card, especially at the Wankhede. Kuldeep has already claimed ten wickets in the tournament at an economical rate of 4.50, underlining his significance in as the leading spinner.

Jasprit Bumrah emerges as Sri Lanka's primary menace. His performance against England showcased his ability to stifle their batters and capture wickets consistently. Bumrah's unpredictability and capability to secure dismissals at any juncture present a daunting challenge for opponents. With an impressive haul of 14 wickets at an economy rate below four in the ongoing tournament, batters have grappled to find runs against him.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Mohammed Shami's seasoned bowling prowess had Ben Stokes on the back foot in the last game.. The experienced paceman was instrumental, snaring four vital wickets against England. He has already claimed nine scalps in just two appearances, establishing himself as a key asset in the Indian bowling lineup.

Mohammed Siraj's performance in the World Cup has been a sorry affair for the Indian team. Despite his promising showing in the Asia Cup, he has struggled to replicate that form. From the outset, he has proven less economical during the powerplays. With six wickets in six matches so far, Siraj's bowling skills remain formidable, and he has the potential to shine on any given day.

India's Probable Predicted XI:

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK),  Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja,  Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj 

Check Here: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table