SL vs IND 3rd ODI: Why is KL Rahul not playing today’s match?

KL Rahul has been benched for 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka. This decision comes on the heels of Rahul’s poor form in the first two matches of the series (scores of 0 and 31 in first two matches), coupled with India’s need to secure a must-win victory.

India has opted to bolster their batting lineup by including dynamic players Rishabh Pant and Riyan Parag. Both Pant and Parag bring fresh energy and aggressive batting styles, which the team hopes will provide the necessary firepower to secure a win.

KL Rahul’s recent performances have fallen short of expectations, with the batsman struggling to find his rhythm in the ongoing series. His lackluster displays in the initial games have prompted the Indian selectors and team management to rethink their strategy for the crucial third match.

India Playing XI

Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Shreyas Iyer, Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando

Rohit Sharma at Toss

Plenty to play for, we’ve been challenged in the last two matches. It’s clear as to what we need to do with the bat and ball. We’ve addressed it – what we need to do as a group. You got to give credit to the opposition, they played well and understood the position well. Another opportunity for us to correct. Two changes. We have Rishabh and Riyan Parag in place of KL and Arshdeep.

Charith Asalanka at Toss

We are going to bat first. It looks same like the previous two ODIs. Theekshana comes in for Akila Dananjaya. Guys are doing very well, we are in a good position. I would like to see someone score a hundred on this pitch.