India’s probable playing XI for 1st Test vs Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka are all set to kickstart their three-match Test series with the two team’s going up against each other in the first Test beginning March 4th in Mohali. India will be going into the series with a new-look squad due to a few long-term squad members being left out. The first Test shall set the tone for the series thus the home team would like to start on a winning note.
Here’s India’s probable playing XI for 1st Test vs Sri Lanka
Openers: Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal
Newly appointed Test Skipper, Rohit Sharma, returns to the side after an injury layoff that saw the batter miss out on India’s tour to South Africa. Sharma, who has been India’s first-choice Test opener for a while now, should be fitting into his role straight away. In the absence of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal should keep his spot in the team as the second opener.
Middle Order: Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari
With regular No. 3 batter Cheteshwar Pujara missing out, India could give Shreyas Iyer a chance at the important position. Iyer has taken well to Test cricket, having scored a century on debut against New Zealand. Virat Kohli will continue to be India’s mainstay at the No. 4 position in his 100th Test. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari should slot in at the next two spots to round off India’s middle order.
All Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin
Both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin have played the all-rounder’s role perfectly in the recent past. With them both having a significant number of Test runs under their belts, they are the two potential all-rounder options India is likely to walk out with. The two have their numbers speak for themselves with regards to their bowling, thus can contribute to the team’s cause with both the bat and ball in hand.
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj
Apart from the spinners in Jadeja and Ashwin, India is likely to field Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj as their three pace bowling options. With the weather expected to be cold in Mohali, India could do well by going into the match with two spinners and three quick bowlers.
