Sanju Samson And... 3 IND Players Who Could Be Dropped For 3rd T20I vs SL

Sanju Samson was dismissed for a duck in 2nd T20I [X]Sanju Samson was dismissed for a duck in 2nd T20I [X]

This evening, India will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the final T20I of the ongoing three-match series at Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. 

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India have oozed their class across departments, securing the series comfortably with two successive wins. 

After swatting aside the hosts by 43 runs in the opening game, the Men in Blue chased a tough 78-run target inside eight overs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. 

As they have clinched the series, India might make some experiments to their playing XI for the final dead-rubber. 

So, as India aim for a clean-sweep, let's see which players could miss out on selection in the final match. 


Sanju Samson

The keeper-batter from Kerala finally got an opportunity in India's playing XI for the second T20I, with Shubman Gill being ruled out of the game due to an injury. 

However, Samson couldn't capitalise on the chance, as Maheesh Theekshana castled him for a golden duck. 

So, if Gill is fit, he will replace Samson as the opener in India's playing XI for the third T20I. On the other hand, if the Indian management decides to rest the Punjab batter, Samson might get another opportunity to prove himself. 


Hardik Pandya

Ace allrounder Hardik Pandya had a torrid start to the series failing with both bat and ball in the first T20I. 

However, he bounced back remarkably, recording impressive numbers (22* and 2/23) in the subsequent affair. 

Nevertheless, given his proneness to injury, India might rest Pandya for the dead-rubber, bringing Shivam Dube into the playing XI. However, considering Pandya will anyway miss the upcoming ODIs, it won't be surprising if he plays this match. 


Mohammed Siraj

India's prominent pacer Mohammed Siraj has had a quiet Sri Lanka tour so far, scalping a solitary wicket in two matches. He hasn't been economical as well, conceding runs at an abysmal rate of 8.33. 

So, considering his lean patch, India might bench Siraj, replacing him with Khaleel Ahmed for this game. This move might help Siraj regain his mojo ahead of the packed cricketing season across formats.