India’s Likely Playing XI For 1st T20I Against Sri Lanka

(BCCI Photo)

The T20 World Cup champions, India, are gearing up to face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series. This series will also mark the beginning of Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team. Gambhir, a former opening batter, was appointed to the role following the conclusion of Rahul Dravid’s contract in June 2024.

As Gambhir steps into his new role, Indian players will be eager to deliver a strong performance and secure victories against Sri Lanka. The team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav in the T20I series, following Rohit Sharma’s recent retirement from the shortest format of the game.

The opening T20I of the series between India and Sri Lanka is set to be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, July 27. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from T20Is, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are poised to open the batting for India in the first match. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and captain Suryakumar Yadav are expected to follow at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, mirroring their positions from the T20 World Cup 2024.

Hardik Pandya, included in India’s T20I squad, will play a crucial role with both bat and ball in the series opener. T20 World Cup heroes Shivam Dube and Axar Patel are also likely to be part of the playing XI, which means only one of Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, or Riyan Parag will make the team. Given Rinku’s reputation as a finisher, he is expected to be favored over the others.

In Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, Arshdeep Singh, who was joint-leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup 2024, will spearhead the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj. With Hardik and Dube providing additional bowling options, India can opt for just two specialist pacers and include a spinner such as Ravi Bishnoi or Washington Sundar in the lineup.

Both Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar featured in all five matches against Zimbabwe earlier this month and delivered strong performances. However, with Axar Patel already in the squad, only one of the two spinners is expected to be selected for the series opener.

India’s likely playing XI for the 1st T20I: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj