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India Consider Jitesh Sharma Trial as Finisher in Sri Lanka Dead Rubber Before Pakistan Final

Team management has not signaled a change to Sanju Samson’s No. 5 role.

Overview

  • With Sri Lanka already eliminated, Friday’s Super Four match is effectively a free hit before India face Pakistan in Sunday’s final.
  • Reports indicate Jitesh Sharma could be tested as a late-overs option, backed by IPL strike rates of 148 at No. 5, 167 at No. 6 and 179 at No. 7.
  • Fielding remains a concern after 10 dropped catches in the tournament, including five against Bangladesh, as players acknowledge the need to tidy up.
  • Ryan ten Doeschate said Samson is still adjusting to No. 5, and coverage suggests the think tank led by Gautam Gambhir is hesitant to alter his role despite a specialist finisher being available.
  • India may also use the Sri Lanka game to rest Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the title match, according to media reports.