India’s Predicted XI vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I: No Place For Sanju Samson In Team?

The Indian cricket team is set to start a new chapter in T20 international cricket under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, with their first match against Sri Lanka scheduled for Saturday. As the team transitions away from veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, who all retired from T20Is after their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, some bold decisions are anticipated in the team selection.

In the opening department, no surprises are expected as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are likely to open the innings. With Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad not in the squad, India lacks a third recognized opener to compete with Jaiswal and Gill, making them the obvious choices. Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant are expected to occupy the No. 3 and No. 4 positions.

Sanju Samson is unlikely to find a place in the XI due to Pant’s return unless the team management decides to include him as a specialist batter.

Hardik Pandya is almost certain to be picked for the No. 5 spot, although Shivam Dube offers stiff competition. Hardik’s bowling skills provide crucial balance to the team, making him the more likely choice over Dube, despite the latter’s superior batting, especially against spin-heavy teams.

The No. 6 spot will likely go to either Rinku Singh or Shivam Dube, with both capable of fulfilling the finisher’s role. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel are the preferred spin-bowling all-rounders, with Ravi Bishnoi expected to serve as the specialist spinner. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj are anticipated to lead the pace attack.

India’s probable XI for the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh/Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.