Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag OUT!! Washington Sundar benched!! India's playing 11 for Sri Lanka 1st T20I unveiled by Wasim Jaffer

As India braces for the start of a new era under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav in Sri Lanka, Wasim Jaffer unveiled his playing XI for Team India for the opening match of the three-match T20I series on Saturday, July 27, in Pallekele.

India’s tours of Sri Lanka have generally been low-key affairs in recent years, but this time the script has changed as the new head coach, Gambhir, embarked on the tour with a strong squad for both the T20I and ODI series against the Islanders.

Following the Indian cricket team’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in June, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20I cricket. Additionally, Rahul Dravid and his coaching staff, except T. Dilip, also bid farewell.

Wasim Jaffer reveals India's playing XI for the first T20I against Sri Lanka

Now, with Suryakumar as the new captain and Gambhir as the new head coach, Team India is set to kick-start the new era on Saturday. Meanwhile, as the anticipation builds for the opening T20I between India and Sri Lanka on Saturday, Wasim Jaffer has revealed his preferred XI for the match in Pallekele.

The former Indian batter and commentator playing XI for India is the perfect blend of youngsters and experienced players. As expected, Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting alongside the Indian vice-captain, Shubman Gill.

With his impressive form and solid technique, Gill will be crucial in providing a strong foundation for India, while Jaiswal, known for his aggressive stroke play, added a thrilling dimension to Jaffer’s top order against Sri Lanka.

Rishabh Pant retained his place in the Indian team as the wicketkeeper-batter. His aggressive batting and sharp glove work are crucial assets for the Men in Blue, as he earned the third spot in Jaffer’s predicted XI along with handling the wicketkeeping duties.

Well, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is set to bring his innovative and explosive batting style and strategic acumen to the number four, as he will be key in steering the team to a good total.

Wasim Jaffer picks three all-rounders in his predicted XI for first Sri Lanka T20I

Then, the former Indian opener brought up the all-rounders Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, to add depth to the batting and offer valuable medium-pace bowling.

Jaffer added firepower to the lower middle order by including the promising finisher Rinku Singh at the No. 7 in his playing XI. On the other hand, the reliable spin all-rounder Axar Patel got the No. 8 position, followed by Ravi Bishnoi at No. 9 in Jaffer’s XI.

With his leg-spin wizardry, Bishnoi adds a potent spin option to the playing XI, and his ability to pick wickets in the middle overs will be crucial for India. Jaffer’s pace attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj, with Arshdeep Singh bringing fresh energy to the pace attack for the Men in Blue in the first T20I against Sri Lanka.

Wasim Jaffer’s India XI for 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 playing XI for first T20I:

Gill
Jaiswal
Pant (WK)
SKY (C)
Dube
Hardik
Rinku
Axar
Bishnoi
Arshdeep
Siraj

What's yours? #<!---->S<!---->L<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4