India and Sri Lanka drew the first ODI of the series. It is not panic time for Team India. Nevertheless, there is scope for improvement. Considering the Champions Trophy is not far away, it would also be the right time to try a few experiments. Hence, some changes could happen in the playing XI. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of two changes India might consider for the second ODI against Sri Lanka.
1) Riyan Parag for Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar could not make the full use of his chance with the bat in the first ODI. He is more of a defensive bowler and it is not sure if the ODIs could be the right format for him. Anyways, he was not that great with the ball in the first encounter.
In this regard, India could try Riyan Parag for the second match. On one side, he would be an upgrade in the batting department. The likes of Shivam Dube could then play higher in the batting order. Also, if you add pressure on him to give at least five overs, his bowling will also develop.
2) K Khaleel Ahmed for Arshdeep Singh
K Khaleel Ahmed for Arshdeep Singh is one of the changes India might consider for the second ODI against Sri Lanka. It is not that Arshdeep Singh did well in the first ODI. It is just that he was not the best bowler for India in the game. Also, Arshdeep has been playing a lot of games recently and there is also a plan for him in the red-ball format.
Hence, it would not be a bad choice to rest him. Khaleel has not exactly fired in the T20 format. In ODIs, he could operate differently. It would also give the management a chance to see his skills in the ODI format, especially because he has not played ODIs for a while.
