India and Sri Lanka are gearing up for an upcoming ODI series that follows their T20I encounters. The series will consist of three ODIs scheduled for August 2, 4, and 7. Rohit Sharma returns to captain the Indian team after their victorious campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. His leadership aims to emulate India’s dominant performance in the Asia Cup 2023, where they clinched the title by defeating Sri Lanka comprehensively with a 10-wicket margin in the final. Here, we delve into the optimal India playing eleven for the upcoming ODIs against Sri Lanka.
India’s ODI squad vs Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.
Best India Playing 11 for Sri Lanka ODIs
Rohit Sharma (C)
Rohit Sharma, who led Team India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 as both opener and captain, will continue to lead the team in the ODI format. Having retired from T20Is, Sharma now shifts his focus to the longer formats, starting with the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is set to partner Rohit Sharma as the opening batsman in the upcoming India vs Sri Lanka ODI series. Known for his longstanding partnership with Sharma at the top of the order, Gill demonstrated exceptional form during the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe, amassing an impressive 170 runs across five matches.
Virat Kohli
In the realm of Indian cricket, there’s arguably no better ODI batsman than Virat Kohli for the crucial No.3 position. Renowned for his right-handed prowess, Kohli has opted to step away from T20Is to concentrate on ODIs and Tests. His invaluable contributions were highlighted by a match-winning innings during the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2024.
Shreyas Iyer is back to the Indian Team for the Sri Lanka ODIs and will grab the No. 4 batting spot. Iyer missed the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 but did a wonderful job in IPL 2024. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to the third title.
KL Rahul (WK)
KL Rahul should grab the role of wicketkeeper in the One-Day series during the Sri Lanka series and Rishabh Pant should be rested. Notably, Pant returned to the field after a gap of two years and played in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
On the other hand, Rahul has been a regular member of the ODI team and played match-winning knocks on multiple occasions. Also, Rahul is a better player for the spin and will be more beneficial in Sri Lanka.
Axar Patel
Axar Patel should be a spin all-rounder for Team India and will help with both bat and ball. The left-handed batsman showed wonderful form in the T20 World Cup 2024 and also slammed a quickfire knock (43) in the final.
Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar will be useful as a right-arm spinner for Rohit Sharma & Company against Sri Lanka. With Patel as a left-armer and Sundar as a right-armer in the spin department, the Men-in-Blue will have a stunning spin attack.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav should be the spinner for Team India in the series. The left-arm spinner has a marvelous record in recent years in longer formats. Also, he is the only full-time spinner in the squad and showed brilliant form in the World Cup to lead the team to victory.
Mohammed Siraj
When it comes to Sri Lanka, who can forget Mohammed Siraj who made mayhem during Asia Cup 2023 final last year? Siraj grabbed 4 wickets in an over and got 6/21 to bowl out Sri Lanka for just 50 in the ODI match. He will lead the pace attack for the side once again.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh can be another amazing pacer for Team India in the playing 11 for Sri Lanka ODIs. Singh is a left-arm pacer; who gave a stunning show in T20 World Cup 2024 recently. He has played 5 ODI innings and has 6 wickets in total.
Harshit Rana
India should try Harshit Rana in the ODIs against Sri Lanka and rest Khaleel Ahmed. To begin with, Khaleel is also a left-armer like Arshdeep Singh so there is no need for two left-armers.
Also, Harshit Rana is a new and raw pacer and Sri Lanka will be unaware of his tactics and this can help Team India in the series.
