After conquering Sri Lanka 2-1 in the three-match ODI series, India will aim for similar results in the three-match T20I series which kicks of on Sunday (July 25). The second-string Indian team had gained an unassailable lead in the series by winning the first two ODIs. The team management made oodles of changes after clinching the series and handed ODI debuts to as many as five players for the 3rd ODI.
Since it will be the opening game of the T20I series, the Men in Blue will have their first-choice on the park once again and major changes will be made to the playing XI. On the eve of the opening T20I of the series, here’s a look at Team India’s likely playing XI –
Openers
No doubt here, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan will continue to kick off the proceedings and will open the innings in the shortest format too. Shaw has batted in T20 mode in the series so far and will kick off his aim to seal a spot in the T20 World Cup squad tomorrow.
Should he continue his form in the T20Is, Shaw can very well end up opening the innings with Rohit Sharma in T20 World Cup as he is presently one of the fastest openers in Indian cricket at present. Shaw is uncapped in T20Is and will don the T20I cap for the first time.
Middle-order
Suryakumar Yadav is confirmed to keep his spot. Manish Pandey couldn’t perform well in the ODI series and might not future in T20Is. Both Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson are in the scheme of things and can be part of the playing XI. If this happens, one of them will play as a specialist batsman.
All-rounders
Krunal Pandya is likely to be back in the T20I’s playing XI after nearly 2 years. He was rested for the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka. Hardik Panayd is a confirmed selection in the playing XI.
Bowlers
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be back in the playing XI along with Deepak Chahar and the duo will share the new ball. Chahar is a wicket-taker with a new ball and might end up bowling his 4 overs pretty soon. In the spin department, Rahul Chahar holds an edge over Yuzvendra Chahal.
He was preferred over Chahal during a part of the England series as well and his three-for in the 3rd ODI makes him a strong contender to be playing XI. One of Chahal and Varun Chakravarthy might be part of playing XI.
Team India’s likely playing XI for 1st T20I: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Varun Chakravarthy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar.
