India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series: 3 Indian Players Who Can Be Dropped In The Third ODI

India suffered an unprecedented defeat in the second ODI against Sri Lanka. The Indian team started the Sri Lanka tour on a high note, sweeping the T20Is 3-0 against the hosts. However, with the ODI series, things now seem drastically different. The first ODI ended in a draw as the Indian team failed to chase the target of 231 set by Sri Lanka. In the next match, India faced a 32-run defeat at the hands of the hosts.

While the T20 squad saw a remarkable transformation, the ODI squad included some key players making a return. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli joined the team after the conclusion of the T20Is. Moreover, players like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul made their return after an extended hiatus. However, after two ODIs, some players appear to be out of form and unable to make their performances count. Therefore, the team for the third and final ODI may see some changes in the Playing XI, with notable players potentially facing the axe.

Shreyas Iyer

Playing in the middle order, Iyer was expected to provide stability to the Indian batting lineup. However, since his return to the side, Iyer has failed to deliver, with unimpressive performances in the first two ODIs. In the first ODI, Iyer scored 23 runs off as many deliveries in the chase of 231, failing to anchor the innings as a reliable middle-order prospect. Despite all-rounder Axar Patel’s best efforts, the team eventually failed to secure a win.

In the second ODI, Iyer managed only 7 runs off 9 balls before falling to the spin of Sri Lanka’s debutant, Jeffrey Vandersay. Given Iyer’s consecutive failures, he may be replaced by Rishabh Pant in the team, as captain Rohit Sharma might look to give the wicket-keeper a chance to return to the ODI setup.

Shivam Dube

An impressive outing in IPL 2024 earned Shivam Dube a place in the Indian cricket team. However, he has failed to convert this opportunity into impressive performances. In the two ODIs, Dube has scored just 25 runs, proving unhelpful in the chases. The duck Dube suffered in the second ODI at the hands of Vandersay could lead to him losing his spot in the Playing XI for the third match. Dube might be replaced by the young spin all-rounder, Riyan Parag. Unlike Dube, Parag has shown strong bowling performance on the tour, and the team may test his suitability for the 50-over format.

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh has undoubtedly cemented his place as the primary pace option for the Indian cricket team. However, based on his performances in the Sri Lanka series, the fast bowler seems to need some rest to regain his rhythm. In the two ODIs, Arshdeep has taken just 2 wickets, leaking runs at an average of 52.50 and a concerning economy rate of 6.18. The Indian squad has included Khaleel Ahmed, and in order to give Ahmed a debut in the ODIs, an out-of-form Arshdeep may be the first to make way for him in the Playing XI.