Riyan Parag is likely to make his ODI debut for India as the Men in Blue seek to prevent a series defeat against Sri Lanka. The third and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be held at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7.
India has underperformed in the series, losing the second ODI by 32 runs, allowing Sri Lanka to take a 1-0 lead. The Men in Blue’s disappointing form was evident in the first ODI, where they were bundled out for 230 runs while chasing 230 runs. The world No. 1 ODI team is now eager to fight back in the final match of the tour as a loss in this game would mark their first bilateral series defeat against the island nation since 1997.
India has several options to make changes to their lineup as they gear up for the series finale. The Men in Blue could include wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in the playing XI to counter Sri Lanka’s formidable spin attack, potentially replacing KL Rahul. Meanwhile, Riyan Parag might be given a chance if India opts to rest Shivam Dube. Parag, who has been on the bench in the first two games, could be effective against Sri Lankan’s spin bowlers, who have posed significant challenges for India throughout this series. The 22-year-old Parag, who could excel as a middle-order batter is also a useful bowler. Notably, in the first T20I between India and Sri Lanka in Pallekele on July 27, the youngster showcased his prowess, picking up three wickets for just five runs.
India’s likely playing XI for 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
