Sri Lanka vs India 2017: India's probable playing XI for third Test

Lower middle order

Ashwin picked up a fifer in the second Test

On the eve of his 50th Test, Ravichandran Ashwin had stated that he had been underperforming with the bat lately, and would like to contribute more to the side at No.5. A fifty in the first innings at Colombo provided the team with some useful runs, but more importantly, a five-wicket haul, plus two more wickets in the second innings, helped silence his critics.

From being in the shadows of MS Dhoni for most of his career to becoming an able replacement, Wriddhiman Saha has been the epitome of dedication towards his trade. His work behind the stumps has become an unappreciated, yet hugely important part of the side. So have his useful cameos down the order.

The jury is still out on Hardik Pandya's role in the side, but the Test rookie, who would have taken the series as an initiation program, would have learnt a lot from his experience in the first two Tests. He is being thoroughly under-bowled, however, and a few extra overs from the lanky pacer can help the primary pacers get a breather midway through the innings.