Shikhar Dhawan Doubtful For Series Opener Against Sri Lanka, Iyer In Line For ODI Debut
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India opening batsman, Shikhar Dhawan, is in doubt for the first ODI of the series against Sri Lanka as he is suffering from viral fever, as per the reports. In case Dhawan misses the game, Shreyas Iyer might make his debut and would bat at number three.

Dhawan’s absence will put team India in sorts of trouble as firstly, Ajinkya Rahane, who might bat at number three during the series, would be asked to open the innings for just one game.

(Read Here: India’s Test squad for South Africa series)

Kedar Jhadav out

Team India might also have a debutant at number three. Also, Kedar Jadhav has been ruled out of the series, and there are very bright chances of all-rounder Washington Sundar – who has been called in Jadhav’s place – making his ODI debut in Dharamsala. The inexperience in the side can cost team India going into the contest.

The first ODI  of the series will be played on December 10 in Dharamsala, where conditions are expected to support fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will share the new ball with Hardik Pandya as the third pacer.

(Read Here: India’s T20I squad for Sri Lanka series)

Washington Sundar
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There will be a tossup between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel for the second spin option. There can also be a case when both of them might have to sit out if Sundar makes his debut as he will perform the role of the second spinner in that case.

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The batting in the team will heavily rely on the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane. Likes of Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni will also share the burden.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma will be making his captaincy debut tomorrow (December 10). He has been appointed as the captain of the side for the complete limited-overs series against Sri Lanka as skipper Virat Kohli had asked for rest after two back to back home seasons.

Kohli will be returning to the international arena next month when India face South Africa in the first Test from January 5 to 9 in Cape Town. Before the start of the series, team India will play a two-day practice game to assimilate to the conditions in the country.

(Read Here: Malinga, Chandimal to be overlooked for India ODIs)

(Read Here: Want to perform well for my country: Washington Sundar)

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