Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has picked the team’s preferred ODI XI for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka.
Laxman picked Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan as the openers for the ODI series. Shaw and Dhawan also open the innings for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and thus have a good understanding between them.
Laxman wants Suryakumar Yadav to bat at number three. Yadav has got off to an impressive start to his International career and he is also going to make a case for himself for the T20 World Cup. Sanju Samson has been backed by Laxman to bat at number four and he will also keep the gloves.
Experienced batsman Manish Pandey is picked by VVS Laxman to bat at number five in the batting order. Furthermore, Laxman wants Hardik Pandya to bat at number six whereas Krunal Pandya to bat at number seven.
VVS Laxman said while talking to Star Sports, “Well it’s a very detailed squad, a 20-man squad. But I will go with Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, the No.3 batsman would be Suryakumar Yadav. At No.4 will be Sanju Samson in ODIs, No.5 will be Manish Pandey, at No.6 I will go with Hardik Pandya, No.7 Krunal Pandya.”
Subsequently, Laxman picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar as the two pacers whereas he selected Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal as the two spinners.
“I will have two fast bowlers in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar and two spinners will be Kuldeep and Chahal. This is my ODI XI.”
On the other hand, Irfan Pathan wants Hardik Pandya to bowl his quota of overs while the all-rounder picked an extra batsman in Nitish Rana in place of Krunal Pandya.
“Only one change I would like, Hardik Pandya is bowling, so I will have him as an all-rounder, one more batsman I will add – Nitish Rana in place of Krunal. Apart from that, because I would like to see Hardik Pandya bowl quite a few overs.”
The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo on 13th July.
