India have successfully pocketed the 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka 2-0, with a game still remaining. The likes of Umran Malik and KL Rahul have performed well in this series so far and deserve a lot of credit. KL Rahul single-handedly helped India reach to their tricky target in the previous ODI with a solid knock of 64*(103).
As India will be facing the island nation in a dead rubber today at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, the hosts might ring in a few changes. This will essentially be important as the Rohit Sharma-led side would be looking at maximum combinations ahead of the all-important ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
In this article, we take a look at 3 changes that we might see in the Indian team for the 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka:
1. Surya Kumar Yadav for Shreyas Iyer
There is absolutely no doubt that Shreyas Iyer is India’s first-choice number 5 batter as he is a very solid and compact batter. He oozes consistency and is a very versatile player. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain has a stupendous average of 47.4 in ODIs and is an asset to Rohit Sharma. But we might see the in-form Surya Kumar Yadav take his place for this ODI, just so that India can test their bench strength in the ODIs. Yadav is on a planet of his own as he is India’s best T20I batter presently. With 3 100s under his belt in the shortest format, Yadav has carved a niche for himself.
2. Arshdeep Singh for Mohammad Shami
One of the major loopholes of Team India in ICC tournaments was the absence of a left-arm seamer. However, Arshdeep Singh filled up that void with his impressive performance in the ICC T20I World Cup 2022. The pacer from Punjab bagged 10 wickets in this multi-nation tournament. He might get a nod ahead of Mohammad Shami for this third ODI.
3. Washington Sundar for Axar Patel
In the white-ball series against New Zealand, Washington Sundar was an absolute gem of a bowler for skipper Hardik Pandya. His tight spells were a game-changer in the game. Sundar might be included in this third ODI just so that he has some game-time under his belt ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
Also read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: 3 Reasons Why Ravindra Jadeja Will Be India’s X-Factor In The WC
