The Big Guns Make a Comeback for Lanka ODI Series
The Big Guns of Indian cricket returned to the team for the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The team, which last played an ODI on December 21, 2023, will return to the 50-over format after a seven-month break. This will be their first ODI series of 2024, with no more matches scheduled in this format for the rest of the year. Their next ODI is planned for February against England. With this in mind, new head coach Gautam Gambhir has named a full-strength squad for the Sri Lanka series.
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The Big Guns Rohit & Virat Returned
The Indian team, who finished second in this format, will try to regroup and find their best lineup for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Although India has confirmed they will participate, they are definitely aiming to win the trophy. Rohit and Virat, the faces of Indian cricket, have retired from T20s. So they can focus more on the 50-over format. Their return will lift the team’s spirits and make the series more popular and valuable. Fans from all over the world come to watch them play.
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Comeback for Shreyas, KL, and Pant
Shreyas Iyer joins Rohit and Virat in returning to the team. Shreyas, who led KKR to victory in this season’s IPL, was initially left out of BCCI’s annual contracts. However, after a strong season with KKR, he earned his spot back. Shreyas was a key player in the 2023 World Cup squad, with his century against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede showcasing his talent. KL Rahul, who missed out on the T20 World Cup, also returns to the team.
The big question now is who will be the first-choice wicketkeeper, as Rishabh Pant is rejoining the ODI squad after a long break. Rahul filled in as wicketkeeper during Pant’s absence, so it will be interesting to see if Rohit sticks with Rahul or opts for two keepers.
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Riyan and Rana make their debut
Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana have earned their maiden ODI calls for the Sri Lanka series. Both Parag and Harshit have had good domestic as well as IPL seasons for their teams.
The Big Guns included India’s ODI squad
India will play 3 ODIs in Colombo starting from 2nd August. Sri Lanka will look to bounce back after a disappointing defeat in the T20 series.
India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.
Sri Lanka’s ODI squad
Charith Asalanka (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage.
