IND vs SL Live, 3rd ODI: Who is India Vice-Captain in the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar? 

With main Team India set to lock horns against England in a five-Test series next month, a specialist white-ball team is touring Sri Lanka for the three ODIs and three T20Is. However, in an absence of big guns, the second string side didn’t fail to impress as they clinched the first two ODIs and would be eyeing complete whitewash in the third ODI, which is underway at Colombo.

The Shikhar Dhawan led-side completed an easy victory in the first ODI and followed it with the tricky chase in the second game to go 0-2 in the series.

Who is Shikhar Dhawan’s deputy in the third ODI against Sri Lanka ? 

With Team India playing dead rubber third ODI against Sri Lanka, skipper Shikhar Dhawan at the toss announced six changes to the team, including five debutants. India’s vice-captain for the tour Bhuvneshwar Kumar was also among the six players who were given rest in the third ODI.

However, in Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s absence flamboyant all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been named as the vice-captain for the final and the third ODI between Sri Lanka and India at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The vice-captaincy stint in the final ODI will be junior Pandya’s maiden leadership assignment in national colours.

Read Also: SL vs IND Live, 3rd ODI: Shikhar Dhawan celebrates winning the toss with thigh five – WATCH

IND v SL Live: Hardik Pandya provides an update on his bowling fitness

Hardik Pandya’s bowling in recent times has been one of the major issues for the Indian cricket team. After having back surgery last year, the swashbuckling all-rounder has not returned to bowling at full and played IPL 2021 as a specialist batsman for Mumbai Indians.

In the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka, Hardik Pandya in the two games has bowled nine overs combined, picking up a wicket at a brilliant economy rate of six, considering he has bowled a lot more in death overs than usual.

Hardik Pandya however, looked uncomfortable in managing his lower back in the last game. Giving an update about his bowling fitness, the all-rounder said that he’s 100 per cent fit and getting better with more game time.

“I am 100%, the more I play, the better I’ll get. I understand that in life you have to keep growing. As a cricketer and a person, you need to keep growing. My process is just growing as a human being. You tend to make mistakes, you fail, but I like to celebrate my failures. I like to celebrate my bad days, it is a part of the sport and it teaches you a lot of things. I like to remember it,” Hardik Pandya said.

With T20 World Cup ahead, Hardik Pandya’s bowling would be crucial for Team India as it provides the skipper with six bowling options.