Shreyas Iyer And...! Rohit Sharma To Drop These 3 IND Players For 3rd ODI vs SL

Iyer has had an ordinary series so far [PTI]Iyer has had an ordinary series so far [PTI]

After suffering a disastrous defeat in the second ODI, India will take on Sri Lanka in the much-awaited final fixture of the ongoing three-match ODI series at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. 

Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue have faltered while chasing on two consecutive occasions. 

After the first game concluded in a tie, the Lankans exhibited exceptional skills to pip India by 32 runs and go one-nil up in the series. 

So, considering it's a do-or-die game for them, India might consider replacing several players in their XI as mentioned below. 


Shreyas Iyer

Since his comeback to the ODI team, Shreyas Iyer hasn't been at his best, letting India down with his abysmal batting performances. 

After playing a scratchy 23-run knock in the series opener, Iyer fell prey to Sri Lanka's spin sensation Jeffrey Vandersay for seven in the subsequent affair. 

Known for his temperament, Iyer's inability to counterattack the Lankan spinners might force Indian captain Rohit Sharma to bench him for the decider. 

If he sits out, the Mumbai batter will likely make room for Rishabh Pant, who can add firepower to India's struggling middle order. 


Shivam Dube

In the absence of Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube was expected to emerge as India's premier all-rounder in the series. 

However, the Mumbai-based cricketer hasn't lived up to his potential, scoring 25 runs in two outings so far. 

Although he struck a valiant innings in the first match, his sub-par outing in the last game might cost him his place in the XI. The explosive southpaw was trapped plumb in front of the stumps by Vandersay and could be dropped for Riyan Parag for the final. 

Apart from his batting, Parag will ensure a potent spin bowling option in the Indian line-up. So, it won't be surprising if Rohit takes the brave call considering the spin-friendly conditions in Colombo. 


Arshdeep Singh

Ace speedster Arshdeep Singh was India's most successful pacer in the recently held T20I series against Sri Lanka. However, he has failed to replicate a similar level of success in the ODI leg so far. 

On a bowling-friendly surface, Arshdeep's underwhelming returns have aggravated India's concerns, as he has scalped only two wickets at an average of 52.50 and a horrible economy rate of 6.18. 

His control has been an issue for India, particularly in the death overs, where the Sri Lankan batters have targeted him to keep the visitors under the pump. 

So, given the importance of the decider, India might drop Arshdeep, bringing Harshit Rana or Khaleel Ahmed to strengthen their pace attack. 

In another move, they might play Siraj as the lone pacer, while including both Dube and Parag to ensure an allrounder-heavy team.