Sri Lanka vs India: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant To Be Part Of India Playing XI?

India’s captain Rohit Sharma faces a challenging decision ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka on August 2 in Colombo. The return of Rishabh Pant to the ODI squad for the first time since his severe injury in 2022 adds complexity to team selection. Pant’s comeback could potentially displace KL Rahul, who was exceptional during the ODI World Cup 2023, amassing 452 runs in 11 matches and seemingly securing his place in the squad. Despite Rahul’s strong performance, Rohit Sharma has left the door open for Pant, which could result in Rahul losing his spot. Sharma described both Pant and Rahul as ‘match-winners,’ emphasizing the difficulty of choosing between them. Nevertheless, he expressed satisfaction with having multiple strong options at his disposal. The likely lineup for the match sees Rohit Sharma opening alongside Shubman Gill, with Virat Kohli positioned at number three and Shreyas Iyer slated for number four. The crucial number five spot remains undecided, with both Rahul and Pant vying for it.

Shivam Dube is anticipated to fill the number six position, while Axar Patel is expected to play at number seven. This lineup suggests a blend of stability and flexibility, but the ultimate choice between Rahul and Pant could significantly impact the team’s composition and balance. Rohit Sharma’s decision will be pivotal in shaping the team’s strategy and performance for this crucial series.

“It's difficult to choose between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Both are match-winners in their own way. But it's a happy problem and I want to have that kind of problems,” Indian captain Rohit Sharma said in the pre-match press conference.

Rohit Sharma has reunited with former teammate Gautam Gambhir, who has recently taken on the role of head coach for the Indian national team. Gambhir’s appointment marks a significant development, as he brings a wealth of experience to the coaching staff. Under Gambhir's leadership, the Indian team achieved a comprehensive whitewash against Sri Lanka in the T20I series and is now aiming to replicate that success in the ODI format.

Rohit Sharma has expressed enthusiasm about Gambhir’s return, noting that the former cricketer’s extensive experience will offer a fresh perspective and new strategies to the team. Sharma emphasized that Gambhir’s contributions are expected to make a meaningful impact, enhancing the team’s approach and performance. With Gambhir’s guidance, the Indian squad is optimistic about continuing their strong form and achieving similar results in the ODI series as they did in the T20Is.

Predicted India Playing XI

1. Rohit Sharma (C)
2. Shubman Gill
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. KL Rahul 
6. Rishabh Pant/Riyan Parag
7. Axar Patel
8. Kuldeep Yadav
9. Mohammed Siraj
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Harshit Rana