Rohit Sharma
Rohit will lead India in the tournament (Credits: BCCI)

Fresh off the historic series wins in South Africa, high-flying India will be looking to make the most of their form in the upcoming Nidahas Trophy.

Hosts Sri Lanka will take on India in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Series, also featuring Bangladesh. The opening game of the tournament is on March 6.  The series is being played to mark 70 years of Sri Lanka’s independence.

Coming to the opener, it is going to be a thrilling contest. While the Men in Blue have looked unstoppable in recent times, Sri Lanka are also in good form. The Islanders recently blanked Bangladesh in the two-match T20I series to warm up for the Nidahas Trophy in style.

Meanwhile, the Indian team management will have to undergo a lot of permutation and combination to zero in on the playing eleven. The selectors have rested several regular players which means a new look team will play in the upcoming series.

So here we are taking a look at the playing eleven with which India can play the first game:

1. Rohit Sharma:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

With Virat Kohli rested, Rohit Sharma has been given the opportunity to lead the side. The opening batsman had endured a tough tour of South Africa and will be desperate to roar back against a side he has enjoyed the stellar record. Moreover, the captaincy usually brings out the best from him, and he will be looking to help India make a winning start.

2. Shikhar Dhawan:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

Unlike Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan was in red-hot form in South Africa. With form on his side, the southpaw will be looking to make the most of it and lead India’s charge with the bat in the absence of some key players.

3. Suresh Raina:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

Suresh Rana did not take long to make an impression after being recalled in the team following a lengthy absence. He was the Man of the Match in the last match against South Africa. The onus will be on the experienced player to guide India to good totals.

4. KL Rahul: 

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

With the big names rested and Rohit and Dhawan available, Rahul is likely to bat at number four. The right-handed batsman did not get a single limited-overs game in South Africa and will be desperate to make a big impression in the upcoming game.

5. Manish Pandey:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

Manish Pandey finally managed to justify his spot in the team with some good performances in South Africa. Played a few handy knocks including the 79-run knock in the T20Is and will be looking to impress again. With Kohli and Dhoni rested, Pandey will look to finish the games for the Men in Blue.

6. Rishabh Pant (wk):

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

With MS Dhoni rested, Rishabh Pant Karthik is likely to don the wicketkeeping gloves. The highly-rated youngster has played just a couple of T20Is so far and is yet to make a mark. The upcoming tournament will be a big platform for him to mark his arrival.

7. Deepak Hooda:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

The hard-hitting all-rounder from Baroda is known for finishing the games strongly. With the likes of Dhoni and Pandya rested, Hooda might get his maiden international cap in the upcoming game.

8. Axar Patel:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

The left-arm spinner is likely to partner Yuzvendra Chahal in the spin department. Axar is with the Indian team for quite some time now but is yet to cement his place in the playing eleven. A good performance in the upcoming tournament might make him cement his place in the national team.

9. Shardul Thakur:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

Thakur played one ODI and a couple of T20Is in South Africa and managed to do decently. He picked up 4 for 52 in the ODI and a wicket each in both T20Is. He is likely to spearhead the pace attack in the upcoming game.

10. Yuzvendra Chahal:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

The leg-spinner had a forgettable T20I series in South Africa. After blowing away the Proteas in the ODIs, he was taken to the cleaners in T20Is, thus going for 39 and a record 64 runs in two games. He will be looking to bounce back from those mauling in the upcoming game.

11. Jaydev Unadkat:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Tournament-Opener

The left-arm pacer got two T20Is in South Africa but failed to impress. He managed to pick up three wickets but conceded plenty. Will be looking to bounce back in the forthcoming game.

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