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Following their dominant performance in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, the Indian men’s cricket team is gearing up for a new challenge: a three-match ODI series against the hosts. The upcoming 50-over clashes between India and Sri Lanka are set to unfold at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on August 2, 4, and 7.
Rohit Sharma, freshly returned from a break, resumes leadership duties for the Men in Blue across these three matches. Joining him are stalwarts like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Kuldeep Yadav, all making their return to the squad for the ODI series. However, notable performers from the recent T20I series won’t be featuring in this sole ODI series of 2024.
OUT – The ODI series will see the absence of six key players from India’s T20I lineup: Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, and Rinku Singh. Hardik Pandya has taken a break for personal reasons, while the remaining five players were not included in the ODI squad.
IN – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav were integral to India’s campaign in all 11 matches of the 2023 ODI World Cup and continue to feature in the upcoming ODI series. Joining them is Harshit Rana, a promising pacer from Delhi who represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Rana recently earned his maiden call-up to the Indian squad for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe, although he didn’t get a chance to play. Now, following an impressive display in IPL 2024, he has secured a spot in the ODI team.
Retained Players – Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Washington Sundar, and Riyan Parag featured in the recent T20I series and have retained their spots in the ODI squad. Gill, Pant, Axar, and Siraj are expected to be in the starting lineup, while the competition among the others adds intrigue to who will earn playing opportunities in the upcoming matches.
India’s squad for the ODI series against Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.