India's Predicted XI vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: Who Will Take Sanju Samson's Place?

India edged past Sri Lanka by two runs in a thrilling first T20I in Mumbai on Tuesday. The action now shifts to Pune for the second T20I on Wednesday. In the first T20I, India were powered by some late-hitting from Deepak Hooda (41*) while debutant pacer Shivam Mavi finished with figures of 4/22 to impress everyone. The Hardik Pandya-led side bears a fresh look and the close win in the first T20I will give them confidence to seal the series with a win in the second game of the three-match series.

However, on the eve of the second T20I, Sanju Samson was ruled of the remainder of the series due to a knee injury. He played in the middle-order. It would be interesting to see who takes his place in the playing XI.

Here's our predicted XI of India for the second T20I:

Shubman Gill: The dashing right-hander fell for just 7 in the first T20I. He needs to do more to keep his place intact in the XI.

Ishan Kishan: Despite starting on an attacking note, the left-hander showed maturity by curbing his instincts with wickets falling at the other end. He scored 37 off 29 balls.

Suryakumar Yadav: The India vice-captain failed to leave an impact with the bat and was out for 7 in the first T20I. More is expected of him.

Rahul Tripathi: After Samson's exit, Rahul Tripathi looks a good replacement. He is a proven performer in the IPL. However, if the team wants to throw in an extra allrounder, Washington Sundar might also be selected.

Hardik Pandya: The India skipper scored 29 off 27 balls and gave only 12 runs in three overs with the ball in the first T20I.

Deepak Hooda: Had it not been for his 23-ball 41*, India would not have crossed the 160-mark in the first T20I. He showed his potential once again.

Axar Patel: With the bat he stitched and important stand with Hooda, and also scored 31 off just 20 balls. The left-arm spinner, however, was expensive with the ball as he gave away 31 runs in three overs in the first T20I.

Harshal Patel: He took two wickets but also gave away 41 runs in 4 overs. The veteran pacer needs to do more.

Shivam Mavi: He came into the XI after Arshdeep Singh "did not fully recover from his illness" according to BCCI. However, the debutant pacer impressed all with his figures of 4/22.
 
Umran Malik: He bowled with terrific pace and returned with figures of 2/27 in 4 overs.  
 
Yuzvendra Chahal: The veteran leg-spinner was the most expensive Indian bowler as he gave away 26 runs in two overs.

Topics mentioned in this article

India Cricket Team Sri Lanka Cricket Team Sanju Samson Rahul Tripathi Cricket