Following a thrilling T20I series triumph, India will host Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series beginning January 10.
This series will also see the comeback of prominent players including as captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, among others. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, a late entry, has been ruled out of the series since the BCCI has opted not to push the batsman into action.
It would be fascinating to observe whether the team management supports KL Rahul in the middle order or if he is elevated in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan. Another thing that has to be observed is the bowling combination in Indian circumstances.
As a result, the issue remains: what will be the best combination for the squad in the series opener? Without further ado, let’s get right to the point.
India’s predicted starting XI for the first One-Day International against Sri Lanka
Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma open the innings
Image Source – Twitter
Despite Ishan Kishan’s outstanding performance with the bat in his previous ODI, skipper Rohit Sharma has said unequivocally that Shubman Gill would bat first. As a result, Shubman, who has 687 runs at an average of 57.25, including one century and four fifties, will be seen alongside Rohit at the top and hopes to solidify his status with the World Cup in sight.
In the calendar year 2022, India captain Rohit Sharma was rather mediocre. That has to improve drastically since he is a crucial player in this style of the game. As captain, Rohit must set a good example, something he hasn’t done lately. Given his track record, the 35-year-old can crush any opponent on his day, and Indian fans are expecting to see some of that in the next ODI series.
Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul strengthen the middle order
Image Source – Twitter
Virat Kohli, India’s batting maestro, had a great close to 2022. He was India’s best run-scorer in the T20 World Cup, and he also hit a century against Bangladesh in the most recent ODI series. For India to play well in the forthcoming ODI World Cup, ‘King’ Kohli must maintain his current form and wreak havoc on every opponent.
Shreyas Iyer completed 2022 as India’s all-time highest run-scorer. He has been outstanding so far and will play a significant part for the Men in Blue in the middle order. He must, however, maintain his great form since a quality player like as Suryakumar Yadav is waiting in the wings for a chance.
Following an underwhelming season in the calendar year 2022, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul was sacked as the side’s vice-captain. His place in the starting XI is also up for debate, as the cricketer has struggled to establish himself in recent years. Rahul has to pull up his socks if he wants to be considered for the ODI World Cup.
Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar come in as the all-rounder trio
Image Source – Twitter
Hardik Pandya was named to vice-captain of the ODI squad after demonstrating his skills as a competent leader. Hardik is a crucial component of the team since he is the only speed bowling all-rounder.
He has the ability to transform the game’s complexion at any moment and to provide vital breakthroughs when required. However, since the cricketer is prone to injuries, the team management must regulate his workload properly.
Axar Patel was outstanding for India in the last T20I series. If he maintains his current form, Axar might push Ravindra Jadeja for a spot in the starting XI. When it comes to Washington Sundar, he’ll be on the field to give some more batting depth. He’s showing off his batting and bowling skills, and he may be an important player in the first ODI.
Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Mohammed Siraj form the bowling attack
Image Source – Twitter
The bowling team will be led by the pace twins Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Shami, who was injured, will rejoin to the team, while Siraj, who has been playing some strong cricket recently, will aid the veteran.
Siraj took 24 wickets in 15 ODIs in 2022 and will want to emulate that performance. He will also need to perform consistently well in order to be selected for the ODI World Cup. After all, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, and Prasidh Krishna are among the players waiting in the wings.
This series might be Yuzvendra Chahal’s last opportunity to establish himself. Chahal has been relatively average in recent years, and with Kuldeep Yadav in strong form, he has to up his game.
