Sports Pundit
Cricket

Time to experiment for both sides in India-Sri Lanka fifth ODI

Time to experiment for both sides in India-Sri Lanka fifth ODI

Indian cricket team has already won the series after making it 3-1 with one match still to play.

Indian cricket team has already won the series after making it 3-1 with one match still to play. India has nothing to lose as they have already won the series but the pride of Sri Lanka is on stakes.

Keeping the fact in mind that series is already to over and there is nothing to play for, it would be wise if both the teams try chance to youngsters and do some experiments like shuffling the batting order.

My gut feeling says that Sri Lanka would not take any chances and they would go out with the best team but still they should try out youngster Sachithra Senanayake. He is an all-rounder and might inculcate a new spirit in the Sri Lankan squad.

Apart from this Mahela Jayawerdene should open the innings along with Dilshan. Upal Tharanga should bat at number four. This might work out for Sri Lanka. Jayawardene has already proven his mettle as an opener in T20 games and going with Dilshan and Jayawardene would be exciting.

India cricket management has already shown faith in youngsters like Tiwary and Dinda. Both these players played the fourth ODI. Tiwary was exciting as always and Ashok Dinda grabbed the all-important wicket of Dilshan.

Now in the fourth ODI they should go with Rahane. Sehwag has been playing cricket for a long time. He should be given rest and make Rahane open with Gautam Gambhir. This would be an exciting combination.

Rohit Sharma was once again lackluster. Tiwari should be promoted up the order. Make him play more overs. This will give him confidence and you never know he might come up as new big sensation like Virat Kohli.

The one player who can be expected to make a comeback to the side is Umesh Yadav, who was dropped to make way for Ashok Dinda. Resting Zaheer Khan could be a good option.