(Cricket news) India and Sri Lanka will go head to head for 3 T20Is with the first one being in Lucknow and the other two in Dharamshala. India come into the series after two consecutive 3-0 T20 series wins against New Zealand and West Indies. The team has rested Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were left out due to injuries. Surya Kumar Yadav and Deepak Chahar who were initially a part of the squad were withdrawn after suffering injuries in the 3rd T20I against West Indies while no replacements were named.

India's ideal playing XI:
Openers: Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad

Skipper Rohit Sharma will be looking to assert his dominance at the top of the order. When both Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad had to play in the 3rd T20I against West Indies Rohit had to play at number 4 which isn't where he is going to play regularly. KL Rahul's injury gives India a chance to try out other openers. Ruturaj Gaikwad didn't get his opportunity in the blue jersey until the last game where he couldn't get going. Coach Rahul Dravid has said in the press conference that players will not be judged on a single performance and would be given more chances which Gaikwad does deserve.

Wicket keeper: Ishan Kishan

In absence of both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan is the choice to don the gloves. The other keeper in the squad is Sanju Samson who is coming into the side after a long time. Kishan is more comfortable opening the innings but has batted at number 3 on numerous occasions. Samson on the other hand is a natural number 3 batter which could lead to him playing there. India could also repeat what they did against the West Indies by playing Rohit Sharma in the middle order. 

Middle order: Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda

Shreyas Iyer will definitely be in the side as he is Virat Kohli's direct replacement. Venkatesh Iyer at the moment is undroppable with the kind of form he is in. Suryakumar Yadav's absence leaves a spot open for Deepak Hooda who will also give India the bowling option. There is a possibility that India could play both Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson to keep Hooda out.

All rounder: Ravindra Jadeja 

Jadeja is back in the squad after a lengthy injury absence. He will slot straight back into the side as the premier all-rounder. He might be bumped up the order depending on the situation to get the left and right hand combination now that Pant isn't in the side. India do not have a direct replacement for Jadeja in the squad even though Deepak Hooda can play that role if called upon.

Seam bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel

Jasprit Bumrah is the vice captain of the side and will be leading the attack in his first T20 series after the World Cup. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel had a good series against West Indies and should keep their place in the side. Avesh Khan and Mohammed Siraj are the other options.

Spinner: Yuzvendra Chahal

India have 3 wrist spinners in the squad but Chahal is definitely the best one. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi are also good options but Chahal's ability to take crucial wickets, contain runs and bowl in the power play is what makes him a must have in the squad.

Bench:
Sanju Samson, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Avesh Khan.

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