The opening game of the three-match ODI series between, India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, January 10. After winning the T20I series under Hardik Pandya, the Indian team will be led by Rohit Sharma, who missed the recently concluded series. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are also back in the squad, along with Shreyas Iyer. The trio was not a part of the T20I series squad.
After a highly competitive T20I series, India and Sri Lanka will be shifting their focus to the ODIs. Team India will start as the overwhelming favorites ahead of the game with their star players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya will be in the playing 11. They have a well-balanced side and valuable momentum on their side, holding him in good stead.
In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are the two other pacers on the team along with Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh. Shami last played in an ODI in July last year. The duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are the two spinners in the squad; however, only one of them will be expected to make it to the playing 11 in this game.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, is a force to be reckoned with in the ODIs, with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka being crucial to their fortunes. Like Team India, Sri Lanka also has a well-balanced side and will be eyeing an upset win in what promises to be an exciting game in Guwahati.
India
Shubman Gill will open alongside captain Rohit Sharma swiftly followed by Virat Kohli at three, KL Rahul will find it difficult for find a place in the XI. For the No 4 spot, there will be a toss-up between Shreyas Iyer and in-form Suryakumar Yadav with the chances of the latter sitting out. In another blow for India, Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the series while Mohammed Shami may also have to wait before making a comeback in the XI.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka scored the most runs for Sri Lanka in 2022. Captain Dasun Shanaka was in excellent form in the T20I series and was his team’s best batter. Chamika Karunratne can also play fast knocks down the order while Dhananjaya de Silva and Wanindu Hasaranga can also contribute with the bat. Right-arm leg break bowler Jeffrey Vandersay was the top wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in ODIs in 2022, registering 14 wickets to his name in 7 matches.
Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilshan Madhushanka, Maheesh Teekshana, Lahiru Kumara.
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Kusal Mendis, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Dasun Shanaka, Shreyas Iyer (c), Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (vc), Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Kusal Mendis, Virat Kohli (c), Dasun Shanaka (vc), Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Dilshan Madushanka
