India might have won the T20I series against Sri Lanka, but the "dead rubber" third T20I, in Dharamsala, is still of interest. A win here will not only help them complete a 3-0 whitewash but also emulate Afghanistan and Romania's world record streak of 12 consecutive wins.
Both teams are expected to make changes in search of their best combination before the T20 World Cup at the end of the year. However, India’s options are limited. After Ruturaj Gaikwad had to pull out with a wrist injury, Ishan Kishan is likely to miss the third T20I as well. He had to be hospitalised for a concussion-related safety procedure.
If Kishan does not play on Sunday, India can bring in Mayank Agarwal, who was called in as a cover for Gaikwad and let him open. They may also try Venkatesh Iyer at the top, a role he played well for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021. Either way, Sanju Samson who played a decent knock on Saturday night, is likely to keep wickets.
Although India won the second T20I comfortably, their bowlers conceded 80 in last five overs. That might not have sat well with the team management. They also have a chance to test Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi with the series already won.
Sri Lanka should be buoyed by Pathum Nissanka’s 75. Captain Dasun Shanaka, too, hit five sixes in his 19-ball 47 not out. Like India, they, too, will miss the likes of Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. They brought in Danushka Gunathilaka and Binura Fernando in the second T20I. In the third T20I, they can also opt for Dhananjaya de Silva and Niroshan Dickwell who are now part of the squad.
Likely XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Mayank Agarwal, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella, Charitha Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lahiru Kumara
Fantasy Tips
- Indian batters are in good form and should continue to take advantage of the Dharamsala pitch.
- For Sri Lanka, Nissanka and Asalanka showed promise, and are good picks.
- If Dickwella features in Sunday’s match, he can be a destructive option.
-The fast bowlers from both the teams can be popular picks, keeping in mind the conditions.
Fantasy XI
Sanju Samson; Shreyas Iyer (c), Rohit Sharma, Pathum Nissanka, Charitha Asalanka; Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Dasun Shanaka, Venkatesh Iyer; Dushmantha Chameera, Harshal Patel, Lahiru Kumara.