Team India is just one win away from the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup. If India manages to win the upcoming match against Sri Lanka at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, they will secure a spot in the semi-finals. This is India’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance in the semi-finals, and they have been unbeaten in all six matches they’ve played in the tournament so far.

The Indian cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, is likely to be considering various options for the playing XI in the match against Sri Lanka. He has clarified that Hardik Pandya won’t be playing in this match as he is currently not fit. In his absence, India has played its last two matches against New Zealand and England with Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav in the lineup. The question remains whether India will stick with this combination or make any changes for the match against Sri Lanka.

Rohit Sharma has mentioned that all options are on the table, including the possibility of playing three spinners and two fast bowlers. This means that India may consider going into the match with a combination of three spinners and two fast bowlers if the pitch conditions in Mumbai favor spin.

Rohit Sharma was asked whether playing three spinners would require the presence of Hardik Pandya in the playing XI. He responded by saying that all options are open, and they might field three spinners if needed. He also emphasized that spinners have been effective in the middle overs in this World Cup.

In the previous two matches, India has played with three fast bowlers and two spinners. The pitch conditions in Mumbai, known for aiding fast bowlers, may lead to India going with three fast bowlers and two spinners. Rohit Sharma has mentioned that all bowlers are fit and no one wants to take it easy, indicating that he is open to different combinations.

As for R. Ashwin, he has only played one match in this World Cup so far, against Australia, where he took two wickets. Since then, India has been primarily using Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja as the spinners, and the team has been successful with this combination. Therefore, the chances of Ashwin being included in the playing XI for the match against Sri Lanka appear to be slim.

Regarding Shreyas Iyer, his performance in this World Cup hasn’t been consistent. He struggled against short-pitched deliveries, and his form has been a concern. India has the option of trying Ishan Kishan in his place, but Rohit Sharma may choose to back the players in the current squad.

The probable playing XI for India against Sri Lanka could be: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.