India are set to start a new chapter in their cricketing journey under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav. The team is gearing up for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with the first match scheduled for Saturday (July 27), in Pallekele. This series marks the beginning of a new leadership era, and the Indian squad is a mix of promising youngsters and seasoned players, aiming for a successful campaign.

Wasim Jaffer’s playing XI for India

Former Indian batter and commentator Wasim Jaffer has revealed his ideal playing XI on social media platform X for India in the opening match against Sri Lanka. As anticipated, Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting alongside vice-captain Shubman Gill. Gill’s solid technique and consistent form are expected to provide a stable start, while Jaiswal’s aggressive stroke play adds a dynamic edge to the top order.

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Middle-order and all-rounders

Rishabh Pant retained his position as the wicketkeeper-batter, known for his aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills. He is slotted at the number three position in Jaffer’s lineup. Suryakumar, the captain, will bring his innovative and explosive batting style to the number four spot, which is crucial in steering the team to a competitive total.

Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya are included as the all-rounders at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively, providing depth in batting and valuable medium-pace options. Rinku Singh, known for his finishing abilities, is positioned at No. 7 to add firepower to the lower middle order. Reliable spin all-rounder Axar Patel and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi are included at No. 8 and No. 9, respectively, with Bishnoi’s leg-spin being a potent weapon in the middle overs.

Pace attack and Sanju Samson’s exclusion

The pace attack will be spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj, with Arshdeep Singh adding fresh energy to the bowling lineup. Notably, Jaffer has chosen to ignore Sanju Samson as a wicketkeeper-batter, opting for Pant instead. Samson, who was benched throughout the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024, played three matches in the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe and scored a match-winning fifty in the final game. Despite this, Jaffer has decided to retain Pant for his consistency and glove work.

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