India's probable XI for 1st T20I vs Sri Lanka
What's the story
India are gearing up to meet hosts Sri Lanka in the opener of the three-T20I series on July 27 in Pallekele. A new era is underway in the Indian T20I team with Suryakumar Yadav being at the helm of affairs. This will also be Gautam Gambhir's maiden assignment as India's head coach. Meanwhile, here we decode India's playing XI for the opener.
Openers
Openers: Gill and Jaiswal
The newly-elected vice-captain of the T20I team, Shubman Gill would open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. This duo was among the runs in the T20I series against Zimbabwe earlier this month. They should also complement each other well as Jaiswal likes to attack from the outset while Gill usually takes time early on. Notably, both batters have already scored centuries in their brief T20I careers.
Middle order
Keeper and finishers: Pant, SKY, and Rinku
Rishabh Pant was preferred ahead of Sanju Samson in India's triumphant 2024 ICC T20 World Cup campaign. The wicketkeeper-batter is likely to continue in the XI and bat at three. Suryakumar would come next in the batting order. His T20I numbers are nothing but jaw-dropping. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh's heroics in the Zimbabwe series might make the management go with him ahead of Shivam Dube.
All-rounders
All-rounders: Pandya, Axar, and Sundar
Both Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel aced the all-rounder's role in the 2024 T20 WC. The duo would want to replicate their heroics against Sri Lanka as well. Meanwhile, off-spinner Washington Sundar would be the other all-rounder in the XI. The southpaw received the Player-of-the-Series award for his heroics against Zimbabwe. The slow surface of Pallekele should assist him.
Bowlers
Bowlers: Bishnoi, Arshdeep, Siraj
Ravi Bishnoi would be the only specialist spinner in the XI. Notably, the leg-spinner was sensational in the Zimbabwe series. The final two spots in the XI would be taken by pacers Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj. While Siraj's primary job would be to strike with the new ball, Arshdeep has been a wicket-taker across phases.
Information
India's likely XI for first T20I
India's likely XI for first T20I: Ꮪhubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj.