IND vs SL: Rohit’s heroics went in vain as the failing Indian middle order could not chase 240 despite a confident start of 97 runs for the first wicket. India faced a similar downfall in the First ODI as well when after Rohit’s early cameo of 50+ score, the team collapsed while chasing a low total of 231, and the game was tied by an extraordinary effort from the Lankan spinners.
The second ODI saw the repetition of a similar form, while this time the middle-order collapsed further miserably which led to India’s defeat. The likes of Shivam Dube promoted up the order, with late KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, all failed miserably.
Now Gautam Gambhir the new Indian head coach should bring in some new players instead of the players who have disappointing form in order to avoid a series defeat in his very first ODI series as a head coach, as this could lower his morale before the Champions Trophy.
Likely Changes GG must make in the Third ODI to achieve success
3. Riyan Parag
Finally, this harsh fact is to be accepted that Shivam Dube is not ideal to meet the needs of an all-rounder is the Indian team. Despite having been given numerous chances in T20s, he was also picked for ODIs and he faced a backslash.
For this series their are no changes other than Riyan Parag that could be made for Dube. As Parag is the only all-rounder likely to replace him his spinning ability will add to his chances for making an ODI debut.
2. Khaleel Ahmed
Arshdeep Singh has been a top performer in T20Is, but he has not been equally convincing in the longer format of white ball cricket. Arshdeep might be replaced by Khaleel Ahmed who has been a part of Team India for long now though he has not received a single game.
Ahmed the left arm quick has the ability to swing the ball on both sides and is a track which largely favors spin his cutters and slower balls might come in handy.
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1. Rishabh Pant
This is Gautam Gambhir’s final go to save his reputation, and Pant who has not been provided an opportunity to make a comeback, now should replace a failing Iyer or Rahul. The left-handed batter can also be a solution to India’s lack of opposite paired batters.
His form and his extreme ability to tackle spin can make him the ideal choice on a track like Colombo, which has already portrayed its spin favouring nature in the last two games.
