Rohit Sharma-led team India play Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI match of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Kerala on January 15. The Men in Blue have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series and will look for a complete series sweep in the last match of the tour. Speaking about the Lankan Lions, Dasun Shanaka and team will play for pride and look to put up a tough fight in Kerala before heading back home.

While the visit has been somewhat careless for the Asia Cup 2022 victors, finishing on a high note would cheer them up. Adding to this, the two heavyweights will likewise remember the 2023 ODI World Cup that is not too far off. Trying different things with the crews might be a genuine chance however with the Men dressed in Blue, the group might head into the installation unaltered as they have played good cricket and might need to see better exhibitions from few players in the XI.

The management has backed Shubman Gill to take the field despite knowing the fact Ishan Kishan played a dominating 210-run knock against Bangladesh recently. The right-hander earned that faith with 728 runs in last 14 ODI outings, which includes five half-centuries and a century. Though, he only managed to get 21 runs in the previous ODI in Kolkata, the batter will look to play a vital knock in the forthcoming match.

Skipper Rohit Sharma played his first match this year in Guwahati and led the side by example as scored 83 off 67 and gave India a perfect start. However, he could onyl manage 17 runs in the second ODI. He is known to give his side a terrific head start in matches and will look to do just that when the two sides face-off in Kerala.

Closing 2022 with a long time and getting going 2023 on a comparable note, Virat Kohli has been in hair-raising structure for the Men dressed in Blue of late. Duplicating an exhibition, for example, the one in the principal ODI will be something at the forefront of his thoughts as the previous captain likewise can possibly win matches without any help. Being the main run getter of the side in ODIs in 2022, Shreyas Iyer has highlighted in both ODIs yet has neglected to change over his beginnings. In both ODIs, he got 28 runs each prior to getting excused.

He will need to shift gears if he wants to cement his spot in the playing XI going forward. KL Rahul scored the slowest half-century for India in the previous contest (64* off 103) but it was the need of the hour for the side in their chase. The batter understands the dynamics of the game well but will need to play fearless cricket and register scores which can give his side an edge in the contest. The two all-rounders have been crucial for the side, be it with the bat or with the ball.

In addition to this, the duo can change the complexion of the game with their ability to save vital runs as fielders. Both star all-rounders will aim to put up another fine performance in the final 50-over contest. Axar and Hardik returned bowling figures of 1/16 and 0/26 at an economy of 3.20 and 5.20 respectively in the previous game.

Though consistency has been missing in their game with the bat, they will look to improve this aspect in the upcoming clash. The pace trio of Shami, Siraj and Umran has proven to be lethal for the side thus far and have made life difficult for the rival batters. Umran's raw pace coupled with Shami's experience and the terrific lines and lengths maintained by Siraj has worked wonders in the matches.

However, at times the bowling unit has lacked consistency and leaked runs. This is one facet which the trio will look to improve. Speaking about Kuldeep Yadav, the spinner scalped three wickets in the previous contest, coneding runs at at a rate of 5.10. He would aim to build on that performance and cement his spot in the side.

Pitch Report:

The pitch at Greenfield International Stadium can be challenging to score runs. The wicket offers assistance to the two spinners and pacers. Hitters should play with sharpness. Throw will be critical and the group winning, will hope to bowl first. With the set number of global matches played in the arena, the most elevated score posted has been 173 in a T20I. The last match played in the arena saw South Africa bat first and post a score of only 108 which India pursued effectively T20I. In the main ODI played in the arena, West Indies posted an objective of 104 which India figured out how to pursue down.

Weather report:

Thiruvananthapuram weather conditions is supposed to be radiant with some overcast cover on Sunday. The opportunity of downpour is low with just delicate breezes anticipated. The temperature is supposed to ascend to 31 degrees Celsius during the day preceding plunging to 23 degrees Celsius before supper.

Predicted playing XI of India:- Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik