In the first week of August, India is set to play three ODIs against Sri Lanka which would be the inaugural assignment for new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Nonetheless reports from the Indian Express suggest that there could be some senior players given time off during the series
The Champions Trophy is set to commence in February-March 2021 and ahead of the same, Gambhir is reportedly drawing in veterans such as Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Burnah and Virat Kohli for the Sri Lanka ODIs. Additionally, the report indicates that due to personal issues, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has written a letter to the BCCI to inform them about his unlikely availability for the series.
Here are the 3 options India could explore if Hardik Pandya is absent for The Sri Lanka ODIs:
#1 Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube has only appeared in one ODI game ever for India’s national cricket team; this occurred on March 28th, 2019 at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium against the West Indies cricket team.
However, it marked the beginning of good fortune for him up to date when he made his way to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2022 and his impressive performance over the last two seasons of IPL meant selection into the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
Although Dube had a modest tournament overall, he contributed a vital 27 runs in the final against South Africa, which should enhance his confidence. He also participated in the T20Is against Zimbabwe, indicating that India may be considering him for a more regular role in their white-ball format.
With Hardik Pandya unavailable, Dube could take on the No. 6 position, making his upcoming performance noteworthy.
#2 Washington Sundar
All-rounder Washington Sundar is another very self-assured player. Just a few matches ago, he performed admirably in a T20I match against Zimbabwe by claiming eight wickets during five games before being eventually crowned the Player Of the Series.
Sundar showcased some of his batting prowess even under harsh Test conditions hence making people opine that he will be able to achieve the same feat provided he gets numerous opportunities to play ODI.
In ODIs, Sundar has claimed 18 wickets in 19 matches with an impressive economy rate of 4.91. He has also scored 265 runs, showcasing his potential as a valuable lower-order batsman. In Sri Lanka, conditions are likely to suit spin-bowling all-rounders such as Sundar, especially when Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to be named in the team
#3 Rinku Singh
Although Rinku Singh has good statistics in the T20I matches, the India national squad dropped him from their T20 World Cup side. In the first half of this year, however, Singh played One Day Internationals for India against South Africa showing the possibility that he will be included in 50-over cricket too.
With a mere two innings in 0Dls, Rinku has managed to accumulate 55 runs over that period while maintaining this blistering strike rate of 134.14 respectively. Being a No. 6 batter by nature, his kind of abilities qualify him not only as an ideal candidate to replace Hardik Pandya but more so for this spot.
Additionally, he has an excellent record in List A cricket, with 1,899 runs in 57 matches at an average close to 49. A successful ODI series for Rinku could provide the Indian team with a solid backup for Hardik.
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