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After securing victories over Sri Lanka by 43 runs and 7 wickets in the first two T20Is of their current three-match series, the Indian men’s cricket team is set to face Charith Asalanka’s squad in the final match on Tuesday, July 30, at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Under Gautam Gambhir’s debut series as head coach, the Indian team has delivered exceptional performances with both bat and ball and aims to complete a clean sweep in the series.
For the second T20I, India had to make a forced substitution due to star batter Shubman Gill’s neck spasm. Gill, who is anticipated to be fit for the third game, was replaced by Sanju Samson, who unfortunately went out for a golden duck. It will be intriguing to see if Samson gets another opportunity in the final match.
With the series already secured, the Indian team management might opt to make several changes to the playing XI for the final, inconsequential match. Players like Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar, who have yet to feature in the first two games, could be given an opportunity.
Sundar could step in as a direct replacement for Axar Patel, while Dube might take Hardik Pandya’s place, and Khaleel could come in for left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.
Additionally, since Rishabh Pant has played in the initial two T20Is and is also part of the ODI squad, he might be rested for the third T20I. In his absence, Samson could be given a chance to take on the role of wicketkeeper-batter.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opening batsman, has made a notable impression with his performances in the first two matches. At just 22, Jaiswal stands out as the sole batter to surpass 1000 runs in international cricket this year. With such an impressive record, he’s eager to deliver another standout performance.
India’s likely playing XI for the 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.
