SL vs IND T20I Series 2024: India's predicted XI against Sri Lanka for 1st T20I

The commencement of the Gautam Gambhir era heralds a new chapter as the first T20I between Sri Lanka and India on July 27 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy will signify this transition.  

That being said, it will be fascinating to observe the XI selected for the match, considering the blend of players drawn from the squads for the T20 World Cup 2024 and the tour to Zimbabwe.

Here’s India’s predicted XI for the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka:

Openers - Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal

Although Jaiswal was included in the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, Gill was not even listed among the travelling reserves. It is worth noting, however, that Jaiswal also did not participate in a single match throughout the entire campaign, or rather, he was not needed to. 

The right-hand, left-hand duo excelled spectacularly in the series against Zimbabwe, ultimately emerging as the leading run-scorers. As the top run-scorers of the series, their remarkable form is expected to be a key focus for the team management as they seek to maintain this momentum in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Rinku Singh 

It remains to be seen how Surya will respond to the additional pressure of captaincy entrusted to him. As for Pant, he is expected to be prioritized over Samson in the selection hierarchy. Both players registered an identical number of boundaries (25) in the T20 World Cup 2024 and would be more than eager to make a powerful start.

Regarding Rinku, apart from the second T20I, he did not receive sufficient opportunities to prove himself at the crease in the Zimbabwe series, similar to his experience in IPL 2024. It is anticipated that the left-handed batter might be promoted up the order if the team is afforded the appropriate opportunity.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar

With the spotlight on him primarily due to off-field matters, it remains to be seen how Hardik will respond in his performances. The T20 World Cup 2024 demonstrated how effectively Axar could be utilized as a floater. His precise off-spin will be particularly advantageous in the dry conditions of Sri Lanka. 

Sundar will be relied upon more than ever as a bowler in the lineup for the first T20I, a role he excelled in during the Zimbabwe tour. Notably, he took wickets in every match of that series and will aim to continue that impressive streak.

Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj

Although Bishnoi went wicketless after the first two games of the series, everyone witnessed how wonderfully he executed his googlies with precision and pace. He would be aiming to replicate that performance in the Sri Lanka series.

The pace duo of Siraj and Arshdeep was crucial in India's title-winning campaign. Arshdeep's left-arm angle, combined with his variations, will be invaluable, and Siraj's lethal performances against Sri Lanka in the past add to the intrigue of this matchup.