The Big Picture – Why Dead Gums Still Matter
In his 26 attempts in various formats, Sri Lanka has never won his bilateral series in India. Seen through that lens, his ODI on Sunday at Thiruvananthapuram is insignificant. However, in a World Cup year, the team wants to seize every opportunity presented to itself.
India will try to optimize its strategy and XI. Should the top 3 players continue to play the aggressive brand of cricket they have employed so far in this series? Which wrist spinner do you prefer, Yuzvendra Chahal or Kuldeep Yadav? Is Umran Malik ready for the big stage?
Sri Lanka may be looking for a few more pieces to complete her jigsaw puzzle. Pathum Nissanka missed his next ODI due to a stiff back, although in his first ODI he scored 72 points. In his absence, first-timer Nuwanidu Fernando proved his point by scoring his 50th point. Who will Sri Lanka miss if Nissanka can attend the third ODI? It’s a headache they don’t care.
Form guide
India WWWLL (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
Sri Lanka LLWLL
Spotlight – Mohammed Siraj and Kusar Mendis
Mohammed Shami may be India’s pace attack leader at the moment, but Mohammed Siraj has made more of an impact in this series, at 12.00 he took 5 wickets and his saving percentage is 4.73. He also seems to have become more aware of his strengths. In the second ODI, when the new ball was not swinging, he switched to a bowling wobble seat and castled Abishka Fernando on a nipbacker to give India an early breakthrough.
Kusal Mendis is the most experienced hitter in this Sri Lankan lineup. He played some practical shots in the T20I series and looked good in the second ODI as well, but was dismissed in Rambo 34. Mendis will have to bat longer if Sri Lanka challenges India.
Team News – Will Chahal Return?
Chahal missed his second ODI with right shoulder pain. It will be interesting to see if Kuldeep Yadav will be sidelined again after his Player of the Match performance if he is available for Sunday’s game.
After half a century at the top of the leaderboards in the previous game, it’s not easy to keep Nuwanidu out. Considering he’s batting in the middle order in domestic cricket, Charith Asalanka may have to miss if Nissanka is available.
Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Avishka Fernando, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Nuwanidu Fernando/Charith Asalanka, 5 Dhananjaya de Silva, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Dunith Wellalage, 9 Chamika Karunaratne, 10 Kasun Rajitha, 11 Lahiru Kumara.