The typical strategy in a bilateral series is to start with a consistent playing XI for the initial matches, secure a lead, and then test the bench strength. However, this approach faces challenges if the team falls behind early and faces a must-win situation. This is the dilemma India faces on Wednesday as they prepare for the final ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
After a tie in the opener and a 32-run loss in the second game, India’s unchanged XI means players like Rishabh Pant, Khaleel Ahmed, Riyan Parag, and Harshit Rana have yet to feature in the series. Should Pant and Khaleel be included, it would mark Pant’s first ODI since December 2022 and Khaleel’s since 2019. Harshit and Riyan would be making their ODI debuts.
Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra, speaking on Sony Sports after the second ODI, commented on whether new head coach Gautam Gambhir would alter the playing XI. Nehra criticized Gambhir’s strategy of including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the series, suggesting the focus should have been on newer players. He argued that the experienced batters weren’t necessary for this series and could have extended their break until the home season starts in September.
Also read: Gambhir Says- Rohit and Kohli Could Feature in ODI World Cup 2027
Nehra noted, “The next series for India is 2-3 months away, which is rare. For players like Rohit and Kohli, this series was a chance to give opportunities to others. Gambhir, as a new coach, may want to spend time with experienced players, but he’s not a foreign coach unfamiliar with them. This was a chance to test new players while Rohit and Kohli could resume in the home season. It’s not a wrong approach, but it could have been a strategy for this series.”
Gambhir’s decision to include Kohli and Rohit came after they were reportedly set to extend their post-T20 World Cup break. Gambhir insisted they cut short their break and join the ODI series in Colombo, aiming to evaluate potential line-ups for next year’s Champions Trophy, with only one other series in the format scheduled in February 2025 against England at home.
