Why are KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh not playing 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka?

Rohit Sharma and Team India came to Colombo on Wednesday with the hope of winning the third ODI and squaring the series. Sri Lanka, for the third time in a row, won the toss and chose to bat first. The home team made one change as Maheesh Theekshana came into the team for Akila Dhananjaya. 

India, on the other hand, made two changes to the side as KL Rahul was dropped and Rishabh Pant came in. Riyan Parag made his ODI debut as he replaced Arshdeep Singh in the starting XI. 

Many fans were surprised that Riyan Parag was replaced by Arshdeep Singh as it would leave just one seamer in the team. Mohammed Siraj will be the only fast bowler to play with Shivam Dube as the backup. 

Rishabh Pant plays his first ODI since November 2022

It was great news for the millions of Rishabh Pant fans as the explosive wicket-keeper and batter was back in the team. The 26-year-old last played an ODI match during the 2022 tour of New Zealand in November. 

Many fans wanted to see Pant in action after he had done well on his return to the side after a long break due to the accident he suffered. KL Rahul had batted well in the first match but couldn’t score any runs during the 2nd ODI match on Sunday. 

The 32-year-old had gone looking for a drive outside the off-stump and got himself bowled by Jeffrey Vandersay. The shot had been called out by many fans as they slammed KL Rahul for his recklessness. 

Arshdeep Singh had to be benched for his inconsistent performances with the ball. The left-arm pacer was struggling to get a wicket with the new ball as well as with the old ball at the back end of the innings. 

Riyan Parag also gave a huge option to Rohit Sharma with his spin bowling and he can also deepen the batting order. Considering that Sri Lanka has potent spinners in their unit the addition of Riyan Parag will be a welcome addition to the side. 

Sri Lanka XI - Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando

India XI - Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Shreyas Iyer, Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj