The Indian Cricket team will take on Sri Lanka in the first One day international at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala tomorrow. Virat Kohli has been rested for ODI series which give will a chance for Rohit Sharma to lead the Indian side for the first time in international cricket. Last time both these teams met in ODI series, it was a dominant performance by Virat Kohli led who whitewashed Sri Lanka in front of home ground 5-0.
Indian team has three top quality openers to make choice. In the last ODI series against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan put up the one-century partnership. Rahane who did not have a great test series against Sri Lanka, might sit out in the first match. Shreyas Iyer has included in the squad and might get a chance at the number.
At number 4, Dinesh Karthik who performed in the ODI series against New Zealand might get a chance in the playing XI tomorrow. Kedar Jadhav who can score quick runs and bowl few overs in the middle might get a chance.
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni could bat at number 6 and also guide Rohit Sharma as the captain. Hardik Pandya who would be making a comeback after missing the test series, comes automatically with his power-hitting.
In the bowling department, new ball and death over specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah would be pace bowling options. If the conditions help pacers, Siddarth Kaul could make his debut. Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel complete the playing XI.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka is struggling to lose 0-5 in the ODI series against Pakistan. Thisara Perera has been named as the captain for this series. Danushkha Gunathilka, Kusal Perera, Asela Gunaranthe are making a comeback in the Sri Lankan ODI team which will give them a boost. They have experienced players like Tharanga, Mathews, Dickwella. The batting must click together as a batting unit if they have posted a threat to the Indian batting line up.
Sri Lankan bowling looks weak with Lakmal, Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera as their pace bowlers. Akila Dananjaya would be spin bowling options. The match would start at 11.30. India would become the number 1 ranked ODI side in the world winning first ODI. They need to win all three ODI’s to be a top spot.
Playing XI for India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni ( WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Siddarth Kaul
Playing XI for Sri Lanka: Danushka Gunathilka, Niroshan Dickwella, Upul Tharanga, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Asela Gunaranthe, Thisara Perera (C), Akila Dananjaya, Pradeep, Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera.
