Two teams with different aims will take the field on Sunday at the scenic Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram: India might ring in some changes to their XI to further test their bench strength while also aiming for a 3-0 cleansweep; Sri Lanka will hope for a salvation victory and avoid the ignominy of a white-wash.
After recording a dominant 67-run victory in the first ODI in Guwahati, India fought off in a gritty, low-scoring contest in Kolkata to win by 4 wickets, their batting and bowling both being tested in different conditions. Sri Lanka, apart from Dasun Shanaka’s century in the first ODI, have little to takeaway from the series so far.
IND vs SL 3rd ODI pitch report, date and time:
Date: Sunday, January 15, at 1:30 PM IST
Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
IND vs SL 3rd ODI pitch report:
Cloudy conditions – but no rain – plus the dew expected later in the evening will make a decision to bowl first easier for the captain winning the toss. Pacers have generally got assistance here, but batters should also enjoy as the game progresses.
IND vs SL 3rd ODI Predicted playing XI:
If Chahal is recovered from his “sore shoulder” he may come back, but who he would replace would be a tricky call given Kuldeep delivered a Man of the Match performance in Kolkata. With the series already sealed, and the New Zealand series only a few days ahead, Rohit might give rest to some of the players, including himself. Suryakumar Yadav, Sundar and Ishan Kishan may get a game.
India’s probable XI:
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer/Suryakumar, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar/Sundar, Mohammed Shami/Arshdeep, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik, Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal
Sri Lanka have injury concerns – Dilshan Madushanka (shoulder injury) and Pathum Nissanka (stiff back) – and changes are bound in their side.
Sri Lanka probable XI:
Nuwanidu Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha
IND vs SL 3rd ODI Match prediction: India to win
IND vs SL 3rd ODI Dream XI Team and tips:
The chasing team will have a slight advantage, so in your Dream XI team, you may opt to pick an extra batter from the chasing team and pick an extra pacer from the side that bowls first.
Dream XI team:
