Colombo: The Indian cricket team led by Shikhar Dhawan will face the inexperienced Lankan Lions tomorrow (18th July 2021) . The ODI match will be live from 3PM IST tomorrow on Sony network. This will be the first assignment of Rahul Dravid as a coach of senior team. This series could be important for youngster to make mark ahead of T20 WC.
The series will start with 3 ODIs. But as of now let’s predict the possible XI for the first ODI. Shikhar Dhawan to open with Prithvi Shaw both have done tremendously well for Delhi Capitals in the IPL for last 2 years. SKY to bat at 3 and Manish Pandey to bat at 4. Big opportunity for Manish Pandey who had been in and out from the ODI team from last few years.
There would be toss up for the WK spot between Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. But we feel the management would go for Samson for his experience. This will be a tough call for Shikhar Dhawan and Rahul Dravid.
While the Pandya brother will do the job of AR at 6 and 7. With Hardik seen bowling in the nets India can go with a extra bowler. We feel both Kuldeep and Chahal will start the series later we can see Rahul Chahar or Varun Chakravarty.
Bhuvneswar Kumar and Deepak Chahar will play as fast-bowler along with Hardik as seam bowling AR.
India’s predicted XI for the first ODI: Shikhar Dhawan (C),Prithvi Shaw, Surya Kumar Yadav,Manish Pandey,Sanju Samson(WK), Hardik Pandya,Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar,Deepak Chahar,Yuzi Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav.