As India prepare for the start of a new era under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav in Sri Lanka, Wasim Jaffer has unveiled his starting XI for Team India for the opening match of the three-match T20I series on Saturday, July 27, at Pallekele.
India’s tours to Sri Lanka have generally been low-key in recent years but the script has been changed this time around as new head coach Gambhir embarked on the tour with a strong squad for the T20I and ODI series against the Islanders.
Following the Indian cricket team’s triumph at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in June, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20I cricket. Also, Rahul Dravid and his coaching team, except T. Dilip, also bid farewell.
Wasim Jaffer reveals India’s starting XI for first T20I against Sri Lanka
Now, with Suryakumar as the new captain and Gambhir as the new head coach, Team India is all set to usher in a new era on Saturday. Meanwhile, as anticipation mounts for the first T20I between India and Sri Lanka on Saturday, Wasim Jaffer has revealed his best-of-class XI for the match in Pallekele.
The former Indian batsman and commentator who plays in the Indian starting XI is the perfect combination of young and experienced players. As expected, Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting alongside Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill.
With his impressive form and solid technique, Gill will be crucial in providing a solid foundation for India, while Jaiswal, known for his aggressive strokeplay, added an exciting dimension to Jaffer’s top order against Sri Lanka.
Rishabh Pant retained his place in the Indian team as wicketkeeper-batsman. His aggressive batting and precise glovework are crucial assets for the Men in Blue as he earned the third spot in Jaffer’s planned XI in addition to handling wicketkeeping duties.
Well, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is all set to bring his innovative and explosive batting style and strategic acumen at number four as he will be key in leading the team to a good total.
Wasim Jaffer picks three all-rounders in his planned XI for Sri Lanka’s first T20I
The former Indian opener then brought in all-rounders Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively to add depth to the batting and offer valuable medium-paced bowling.
Jaffer added firepower to the lower middle order by including promising finisher Rinku Singh at No. 7 in his starting XI. On the other hand, reliable spin-off player Axar Patel got the No. 8 position, followed by Ravi Bishnoi at No. 9 in Jaffer’s starting XI.
With his footwork wizardry, Bishnoi adds a potent spin option to the starting XI, and his ability to take wickets in the middle overs will be crucial for India. Jaffer’s pace attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj, with Arshdeep Singh bringing new energy to the Men in Blue’s pace attack in the first T20I against Sri Lanka.
Wasim Jaffer’s starting XI for India in the first T20I against Sri Lanka:
Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.
My starting XI for the first T20I:
Gill JaiswalPant (WK)SKY (C)DubeHardik RinkuAxarBishnoiArshdeep Siraj
Which one is yours? #SLvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 27, 2024
