The three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka came to a close in India’s favour recently. The Men in Blue took the first lead in the series by winning the T20I series opener by two runs.
After that, the Indian cricket team lost the second game by 16 runs, which opened the door for Sri Lanka to stay alive in the series. However, the hosts ensured to make a stellar comeback in the T20I series decider.
Hardik Pandya and Co won the game by 91 runs and clinched the T20I series by 2-1. Meanwhile, both teams must have prepared for the upcoming three-match ODI series. The ODI series opener will kick off on January 10, at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer who were not included in the T20I set up are now back in the ODI mix. These players have a big role to play in the ODI series.
Shubman Gill will open alongside Rohit Sharma in first ODI against Sri Lanka
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma addressed the reporters at the pre-match press conference where he confirmed that Shubman Gill will open the innings instead of Ishan Kishan in the first ODI against Sri Lanka.
For the record, Ishan Kishan scored the fastest double century in the third ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram very recently. Despite his blistering performance of late, he still wasn’t considered for the ODI series opener.
With no Ishan Kishan in the playing XI, then KL Rahul will sneak into the playing XI as the wicketkeeper batsman. As far as the spinners are concerned, Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal might get a nod.
On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh or Umran Malik could be in a fight too. The Men in Blue will certainly start the series as the favourites and they have enough tools and resources to outsmart the Sri Lankans.
Ishan Kishan scored a double century in the last ODI and then was dropped!
Advertisement— saistunz (@saistunz10) January 9, 2023
Ishan sacked already? 😭😂
Advertisement— ✨✨ ✨ (@tf_bruh09) January 9, 2023
Rohit and gill in Odi’s
Rohit and ishan in t20’s
It is the best opening pair in my opinion and that is always the bestAdvertisement— popeye (@alluarjun_fan45) January 9, 2023
We need consistency
Gill❤️🔥Advertisement— AdiThYA ChOwDArY👑 (@Thalaiva333) January 9, 2023
Just to play KL rahul they will leave out double centurion ishan kishan and open with gill 😆
Advertisement— A Singh (@_hardysingh_) January 9, 2023
This is wrong decision, guy scored 210 in his last match and he drop for gill who not do anything extra ordinary except that 91 in Gabba
Advertisement— Harsh (@Imhro_45) January 9, 2023
Kohli's entry will be in 2nd over then.
Advertisement— Mankading2.0 (@Mankading2_0) January 9, 2023