India vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20: Probable XI
What's the story
After a record breaking performance by Team India on Friday, the series is already in India's clutches. The men in blue will now look to test their bench strength when they take the field against Sri Lanka in their third T20 international at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. Here is our probable XI for the fixture on Sunday.
Openers
Can Rohit and Rahul give India another good start?
Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma, who is in scintillating form, will open the innings for India. The stylish right-handed batsman, who scored the joint fastest T20I century on Friday, will look to continue from where he left. Partnering him will be KL Rahul who already has two fifties in the series so far and will be keen to add more to his kitty.
The middle order
Dhoni to be promoted up the order
If all goes according to plan, just like the second T20I, MS Dhoni is likely to walk out at number 3. The 36-year-old showed us what he is capable of in the 2nd T20I. Shreyas Iyer is likely to retain his spot and would relish the challenge of playing on his home ground. Manish Pandey could complete the middle order.
All-rounders
Washington Sundar to be handed T20I debut
Hardik Pandya is one of the first names on the team sheet when it comes to the shortest format of the game. The hard hitting all-rounder is one of the best finishers in modern day cricket. Tamil Nadu man Washington Sundar, who was handed his ODI debut earlier in the series, could get the nod ahead of Dinesh Karthik.
Spinners
Chahal and Kuldeep to continue their domination
Gone are the days of the deadly duo Ashwin and Jadeja, when you look at the form of Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. Chahal has been fantastic this year, with 23 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 14.13, the most successful bowler in T20I this year. Kuldeep has been his able deputy with 11 wickets in 7 matches.
Pacers
Bumrah and Unadkat to lead the pace battery
India's death over specialist Jasprit Bumrah is a no-brainer when it comes to the shortest format of the game. In the absence of Bhuvi, he will shoulder the task of leading India's attack. Partnering Bumrah in the pace department, will be the talented Jaydev Unadkat who is yet to impress in the series so far.
Data
India's Probable Playing XI
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, MS Dhoni, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Jaydev Unadkat.