In an eagerly anticipated final faceoff, India takes on Sri Lanka in the third T20I of the series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. This match, however, carries less weight in terms of the series outcome, as India has already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead. With the series in the bag, the focus shifts to strategic rotation and player management, a point underscored by several key changes in the Indian lineup.
India’s vice-captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, Hardik Pandya, all-rounder Axar Patel, wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, and pace bowler Arshdeep Singh are notable absentees in this match. Sri Lanka, too, has rung in a change with Chamindu Wickramasinghe making his debut, replacing Dasun Shanaka in the squad.
At the toss, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav explained the rationale behind the changes. “Would’ve liked to chase as well with the weather around. It becomes difficult for the bowling team to control the ball later,” he said. “We have four players resting – Hardik, Axar, Rishabh, and Arshdeep. We spoke about the brand of cricket we want to play, and it’s about topping it up every game and being the best version of ourselves.”
On the other side, Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka opted to bowl first after winning the toss. He justified the decision by pointing out, “Looks like a dry pitch. There was a batting collapse, and when the ball gets older, it’s a bit harder to bat. We have planned a little bit differently. One change, Wickramasinghe comes in for Shanaka.”
India’s dominant performances in the first two matches set the tone for this final game. The visitors clinched the first match by 43 runs after putting an imposing total of 213 runs on the scoreboard.
. In the rain-curtailed second game, India secured victory by seven wickets while chasing a revised target of 78 runs under the DLS method.
Despite the alterations in their lineup, India fields a competitive team. Their playing XI for this match includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, and Khaleel Ahmed—a blend of youth and experience aimed at testing new combinations and strategies.
For Sri Lanka, the playing XI consists of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Asitha Fernando. The inclusion of debutant Wickramasinghe brings a fresh energy to the side, and his performance will be closely watched.
As the match unfolds, the primary talking point remains India’s decision to rest some of their key players. Hardik Pandya has been a pivotal all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball. His absence provides an opportunity for other bowlers and all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar to step up. Similarly, Rishabh Pant’s resting means Sanju Samson gets a chance to don the keeper’s gloves and potentially anchor the middle order.
Axar Patel’s exclusion opens the door for other spinning all-rounders such as Ravi Bishnoi to showcase their skills in the international arena. Arshdeep Singh, known for his death-over bowling, will be missed, but this also allows Khaleel Ahmed to demonstrate his prowess in the shorter format of the game.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be aiming to salvage some pride by winning this dead rubber. The debut of Chamindu Wickramasinghe signifies a forward-looking approach as the team seeks to build depth and experience in their squad. The pressure on seasoned players like Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga will be immense as they aim to turn the tide in this inconsequential yet crucial encounter for team morale.
In conclusion, while the series outcome is already decided, the third T20I serves as a valuable platform for both teams to fine-tune their strategies, experiment with their rosters, and provide opportunities to fresh faces. As fans settle in to watch this clash, the focus will not just be on the immediate contest but on its implications for future tournaments and team compositions.
