Will Washington Sundar play the Asia Cup final? Here's India's predicted XI for IND vs SL

Washington Sundar replaced Axar Patel in India's squad for the Asia Cup 2023 after the latter suffered a left quadriceps strain during a Super Four match against Bangladesh. Sundar arrived in Colombo and joined the team ahead of the final against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to be held at the R Premadasa Stadium on September 17.

3 things you need to know  

• India are the defending champions in the ODI-based Asia Cup
• India won the 2018 Asia Cup title under the leadership of Rohit Sharma
• Shubman Gill is the leading run-scorer in the Asia Cup 2023 

Ahead of the IND vs SL Asia Cup 2023 final, here is India's predicted XI for the summit clash in Colombo.

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Rohit Sharma (c)
The Indian captain is in decent form, having score three fifty-plus scores in the tournament. He will look to finish on a high note as he was dismissed for a duck against Bangladesh. Interestingly, this is the second time that Rohit will be leading India in the Asia Cup final as he guided India to the 2018 glory.

The big day has arrived! #India locks horns with #SriLanka in the #AsiaCup2023 final.
Get ready for a cricketing spectacle! 🇮🇳🆚🇱🇰

Tune-in to #INDvSL in #AsiaCupOnStar
Tomorrow | 2 PM | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/R4PfMv29XR

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 16, 2023

Shubman Gill
The young batter, who had a rare dip in form during the tour of West Indies, is peaking at the right time with the ODI World Cup on the horizon. He has so far scored three fifty-plus scores, including a valiant effort of 121 against Bangladesh. 

Virat Kohli
The former India captain is considered as a crucial player for the team for all the right reasons. His knock of 122 not out against Pakistan crushed Babar Azam-led side's confidence in the Asia Cup. Kohli is expected to return to the line-up after being rested for the Bangladesh match. 

KL Rahul (wk) 
The experienced wicketkeeper-batter announced his comeback to team India with 111 not out against Pakistan. Although he could not build on his momentum in the following two matches, Rahul would aim to make the most of the game time ahead of the World Cup in October. 

Ishan Kishan 
The 25-year-old Kishan is expected to play as a specialist batter, with KL Rahul donning the gloves. Although he did not bat much in the Super Four matches, his impressive 82 against Pakistan in the group stage helped him to rightfully seal his spot in the line-up.  

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Hardik Pandya
The star all-rounder is one of Rohit Sharma's go-to bowlers in the middle overs. Pandya got India the crucial wickets, which helped turn the match in favour of India. His batting ability also strengthens India's lower-middle order. 

Brace yourselves for an electrifying showdown that's set to make cricket history! India goes head to head with Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 Finals, and the excitement is off the charts! 🇮🇳🇱🇰#AsiaCup2023 #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/pwsLM49YKE

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 16, 2023

Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja became the seventh India bowler to take 200 ODI wickets, achieveing the feat in the match against Bangladesh. In the Sri Lankan conditions, Jadeja's ability to spin the ball will be crucial for India. 

Washington Sundar
Joining the team as a replacement player, Sundar is expected to play in the Asia Cup final as Colombo has a spin-friendly track. India could also field three spinners in the final, with Jadeja, Sundar and Kuldeep playing together. Sundar can also help India bat deep and add crucial runs towards the end. 

Kuldeep Yadav
The Indian wrist-spinner is fourth in top wicket-takers at the Asia Cup 2023, having picked up nine wickets in four matches, including a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in the Super 4. Kuldeep, who was rested for the Bangladesh match, is expected to play in the final given his success in the Sri Lankan conditions. 

Jasprit Bumrah
The India fast bowler is expected to return to the team after missing the Bangladesh match. It is to be noted that he twisted his ankle while bowling against Sri Lanka, he continued to bowl to get some game time ahead of the World Cup. 

Mohammed Siraj
Siraj was one of the five players rested for the Bangladesh match. Although he has picked only one wicket in the Super 4 stage, he is being given opportunities as India continue to try bowling combinations for the World Cup.