Sri Lanka v India 3rd ODI international 


**India vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Preview: Key Strategies and Player Insights**

### Match Overview

**Date:** Wednesday, August 7, 2024  

**Time:** 2:30 PM Local Time  

**Venue:**  R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo  

**Weather:** Expect a low-scoring game with spinners likely to dominate. Slight cloudy cover expected.


### Key Highlights

In the recent practice session on Tuesday, Shubman Gill showcased aggressive footwork against Axar Patel, a tactic that was notably absent in India's previous ODI against Sri Lanka. India's batters struggled significantly in the second ODI, leading to a crucial series decider.

### Match Insights

**India's Batting Struggles:**  

In the second ODI, India faced significant issues with five batsmen dismissed LBW, marking a record for the team. Abhishek Nayar, India's assistant coach, highlighted the need to rectify these middle-over errors.

**Practice Sessions:**  

Key players Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli dedicated extensive time in the nets, hoping their adjustments will pay off in the final game.

**Team Strategy:**  

India must decide whether to field their best XI or experiment with new combinations ahead of the upcoming ICC tournament. This decision is crucial for the Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff, aiming to avoid ending their tour with unresolved issues.

### Team News and Probable Xi

**Sri Lanka:**

Sri Lanka is expected to maintain their winning lineup. Dunith Wellalage might get a batting promotion.

- **Probable XI:** 

Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando

**India:**

Rohit Sharma practiced but did not bat, while Rishabh Pant actively faced spinners. Key bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh did not bowl in the session.

**Probable XI:**

 Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shivam Dube/Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed

 Did You Know?

**Janith Liyanage:** 

Averaged 199 against spinners in ODIs before this series but has only scored 32 runs in two innings here.

**Bowling Stats:** 

Dunith Wellalage and Akila Dananjaya have conceded 173 runs and taken only three wickets in 34 overs combined.

 **Sadeera Samarawickrama:*

 Known for his prowess against left-arm orthodox spin, has been dismissed twice by Axar Patel in this series.

### Key Quotes

Washington Sundar, India All-rounder:**

"Honestly, we are quality players of spin. We've played on such wickets at home and in domestic cricket. It's about finding individual ways to get the job done."

Jeffrey Vandersay, Sri Lanka Spinner:**

"There was a lot of pressure coming into the side. The wicket had assistance, and getting my first wicket built my confidence, leading to six wickets."

### Squads

**India Squad:** 

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Rishabh Pant, Khaleel Ahmed, Riyan Parag, Harshit Rana

**Sri Lanka Squad:**

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Mohamed Shiraz

Optimize your viewing experience with these insights and stay tuned for a thrilling conclusion to the series!