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After falling short of the 231-run target in the first ODI against Sri Lanka on August 2, the Indian men’s cricket team is eager to deliver a strong performance in the second match, scheduled for Sunday, August 4, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In the series opener, Indian batters, with the exception of captain Rohit Sharma, struggled to adapt to the challenging conditions and failed to make a significant impact.
There will be significant expectations from key players such as Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul to step up and deliver a much-improved performance in the upcoming game.
For the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series, India may consider making a few changes to their playing XI. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who was left out of the first match, could be included in place of Washington Sundar.
In the opening ODI, Sundar managed just one wicket for 46 runs in his nine-over spell and was also dismissed for five runs off four balls.
Pant, known for his explosive batting in the middle order, could bolster India’s batting lineup if included. However, omitting Sundar would leave India with just four bowlers and Shivam Dube as the sole all-rounder.
Alternatively, India could bring Riyan Parag into the squad in place of Sundar. Parag, who made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe last month, offers valuable contributions with both bat and ball. His performance in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, where he claimed three wickets for just five runs, showcased his potential as a bowler.
Including both Parag and Pant in the playing XI would necessitate dropping one of Iyer, Rahul, or Dube. Given that Iyer and Rahul have been consistent performers in the 50-over format and Dube provides an additional fast-bowling option, it seems unlikely that both Parag and Pant will be selected together.
India has secured victory in 99 out of 169 ODIs against Sri Lanka. A win over Charith Asalanka’s side on Sunday would make India the first team to reach 100 wins against a single opponent.
India’s likely playing XI for the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
