India's Predicted Playing 11 For IND vs SL 3rd ODI: Rishabh Pant In, KL Rahul Out?

Given the current situation, there is speculation that KL Rahul and Shivam Dube might be replaced by Rishabh Pant and Riyan Parag in India's playing 11 for IND vs SL 3rd ODI.

Riyan Parag might be considered as a replacement for Shivam Dube to enhance India's spin options.

Source : PTI

India has dominated Sri Lanka in international cricket over the past 27 years, but that legacy is now at risk. The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka began with a tie, followed by a 32-run defeat for India in the second ODI.

Sri Lanka is now just one win or another tie away from ending their long wait for an ODI series win against India, with their last bilateral series victory dating back to 1997.

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The Indian team's biggest concern has been their batting, particularly the middle order, which has struggled significantly. Sri Lanka has not excelled in the batting department either, but a combined effort from their entire unit has allowed them to post decent totals.

India's middle order has failed to deliver, with only Rohit Sharma providing consistent performance and scoring two fifties in the first two ODIs. Apart from openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer have also underperformed. Given the current situation, there is speculation that KL Rahul and Shivam Dube might be replaced by Rishabh Pant and Riyan Parag in India's playing 11 for IND vs SL 3rd ODI on Wednesday (August 7).

Why Riyan Parag in place of Shivam Dube?

Riyan Parag might be considered as a replacement for Shivam Dube to enhance India's spin options. In the second ODI, Sri Lanka fielded only one pacer, Asitha Fernando. If Parag replaces Dube, India could benefit from a stronger spin attack, with Parag joining Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav to form a formidable spin quartet. Riyan Parag's inclusion would be particularly advantageous on Colombo's spin-friendly pitches.

KL Rahul could be given a longer rope in the team 

KL Rahul, who has been consistent for India in ODIs since the last World Cup, deserves a bit more time to find his form. He is also a strong player against spin, suggesting that his return to top performance is imminent. While Rishabh Pant is an excellent option in any format, giving Rahul a longer rope could be beneficial.

India Predicted Playing 11 for IND vs SL 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ꮪhubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul/ Rishabh Pant (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.