The Indian cricket team, under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir, is set to face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series, beginning on Friday. A key decision looming over the team management is choosing between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. KL Rahul has been a reliable performer since his return from injury, scoring 834 runs in 21 matches at an average of 69.50, and excelling behind the stumps. His leadership was also evident when he captained India in the ODI series against South Africa. Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, has shown promise since his return to the national fold after a serious accident in 2022, although his recent performances have been inconsistent. The team must weigh Rahul’s consistency against Pant’s explosive potential.
Adding to the complexity is the need to accommodate Shreyas Iyer, a strong performer in the 50-over format, with an impressive record of 846 runs from 20 matches in 2023. If the team decides to include both Rahul and Pant, they will need to find a way to fit Iyer into the playing XI. With Hardik Pandya unavailable due to personal reasons, the team might need to consider all-rounders like Shivam Dube or Riyan Parag at No. 6. Parag’s versatility with the ball, demonstrated by his ability to switch between off-spin and leg-spin, could give him an advantage.
Meanwhile, veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be playing their first ODI series under Gambhir’s coaching. Their performance will be crucial as India looks to bounce back from their defeat in the World Cup final against Australia. Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, will aim to improve their performance after losing the T20I series to India, although they face the challenge of playing without key pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madhushanka due to injuries.
India’s squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, and Harshit Rana.
Sri Lanka’s squad: Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Ehsan Malinga, Mohammed Shiraz, and Asitha Fernando, with Kusal Janith, Pramod Madushan, and Jeffrey Vandersay as standbys.
The series promises an exciting contest as both teams seek to fine-tune their strategies ahead of major one-day events like the Champions Trophy.