Sri Lanka vs India: India’s Predicted Playing XI for 2nd ODI

Team India was certainly deemed firm favourites to defeat Sri Lanka in the first ODI. However, not many expected them to put up such a ruthless show. Chasing 263 for victory, Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan wreaked havoc at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and cleared boundaries for fun. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan also slammed an unbeaten half-century as India chased down the total in just 36.4 overs, winning the contest by seven wickets.

Earlier in the game, Sri Lanka, despite having a depleted line-up, did well to post 262/9. Although there wasn’t any stand-out knock, almost every batter chipped in with notable contributions. However, the competitive-looking total wasn’t any way near enough as the Men in Blue registered a convincing win and gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. This also means a victory in the second clash would seal the deal for the visitors.

Here is India’s predicted XI for the first ODI against Sri Lanka:

Openers: Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw

All the debates over who should be Dhawan’s ideal opening partner in Sri Lanka have been laid to rest by Prithvi Shaw’s carnage in the first ODI. The dasher wasted no time and went after the bowlers from the outset. On a track where Sri Lankan batters struggled to score freely, Shaw cleared the boundaries with ease. He eventually ended up scoring 43 off 24 balls, earning the Player of the Match award.

Dhawan also did a commendable in his maiden assignment as Team India captain. After making accurate on-field decisions, the 35-year-old shone with the bat as well. Playing the anchor’s role, Dhawan remained unbeaten at 86 as India crossed the line without any hassle. Hence, there’s no point in tinkering with this combination.

Middle Order and Wicket-keeper: Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson/ Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav

Ishan Kishan might have been warming the benches had Sanju Samson been fit for the first ODI. The latter sustained a ligament injury and Kishan was asked to don the gloves. The southpaw used the opportunity in the best possible manner, slamming a quick-fire fifty on debut. He made his intentions crystal clear by smashing his first ball for a six and continued his carnage.

Kishan certainly can’t be dropped after such a stellar show. At the same time, Sanju Samson’s recent performances make him too good to stay out of the team. This means Manish Pandey might face the axe. Pandey, who scored 26 off 40 deliveries, didn’t look in fine touch. Hence, if Samson is fit, the team management might bring him in Pandey’s place.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav also impressed on debut and his position should be untouched. Coming to bat at number five, he scored a quickfire 31 to wrap the match equally. He would certainly like to put up a similar or even greater show.

All-rounder: Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya

With the top five taking India over the line, the Pandya brothers weren’t required to do anything with the bat. However, they bowled in the game and were impressive. Krunal chocked the scoring rate with his tight and accurate spin bowling. Conceding just 26 runs in 10 overs, the left-arm spinner also scalped a wicket.

Hardik also dismissed Isuru Udana but his economy rate was on the higher side. Nevertheless, he would like to put up a better show. With the Pandyas not doing much wrong, Krishnappa Gowtham needs to wait for more for his chances.

Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav

Many didn’t back Sri Lanka’s depleted batting line-up to put up a fight against India’s bowling attack. Contrary to the expectations, the home did well to post 262/9. This shows Indian bowlers weren’t at their best. While spin twins Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets apiece, they were taken to cleaners at times.

Even a bowler of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s caliber leaked runs at an economy rate of seven. His fellow pacer and teammate Deepak Chahar did considerably well by picking a couple of wickets. Although this attack couldn’t deliver as per expectations, the team management is unlikely to make any changes.

India’s Predicted XI for 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ishan Kishan (wk), Manish Pandey/Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Navdeep Saini, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal