India’s Predicted XI for 3rd ODI vs England: KL Rahul Set for Return, Ishan Kishan Likely to Miss Out… Big Calls Await at Lord’s

The Indian cricket team will head into the third and final ODI against England with everything to play for after the visitors suffered a four-wicket defeat in the second match at Cardiff. With the three-match series tied at 1-1, the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground is set to host a high-pressure decider.

After falling short in the previous game, the Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill-led team management is expected to reshuffle the playing XI in a bid to regain momentum and clinch the series.

Several selection calls are likely to dominate the pre-match discussion, particularly in the middle order, wicketkeeping department and bowling attack.

KL Rahul Expected to Return to the Playing XI

One of the biggest changes could see KL Rahul returning to India’s playing XI after recovering from injury concerns.

Rahul’s experience in pressure situations and his ability to anchor the middle order could strengthen India’s batting depth. His inclusion would also provide additional flexibility, allowing the team to balance aggression with stability during the chase or while setting a target.

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If declared fully fit, Rahul is expected to reclaim his place immediately.

Ishan Kishan May Make Way

With Rahul likely to return, Ishan Kishan appears to be the player most likely to miss out.

Although Kishan has shown flashes of brilliance, the team management may prefer Rahul’s experience in a must-win contest, particularly at a venue like Lord’s, where handling pressure and adapting to conditions often prove decisive.

The possible change is viewed as a tactical decision rather than a reflection of Kishan’s overall form.

Washington Sundar Could Also Miss Out

India may also make an adjustment in the all-round department, with Washington Sundar expected to lose his place depending on the pitch conditions.

The visitors could opt for an additional specialist bowler or another pace option if the surface offers assistance to fast bowlers. Such a move would be aimed at improving India’s wicket-taking ability after England successfully chased down the target in the previous match

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The final decision will likely depend on the conditions assessed shortly before the toss.

Rohit Sharma to Continue Opening

Despite recent speculation surrounding his ODI future, Rohit Sharma is expected to continue opening the batting alongside Shubman Gill.

The experienced opener remains one of India’s most influential white-ball players, and the team management is likely to back his experience in a high-stakes encounter.

His partnership with Gill will once again be crucial in providing India with a strong start against England’s pace attack.

India’s Predicted Playing XI for the 3rd ODI

Based on current reports and expected tactical changes, India’s likely XI could be:

• Rohit Sharma
• Shubman Gill (Captain)
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammed Shami
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Siraj

Note: The final playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.

A Series Decider with High Stakes

With the series evenly poised, both teams know that one strong performance will decide the winner.

India will be aiming to bounce back after the Cardiff defeat, while England will look to carry their momentum into the final contest. For Team India, the expected changes are not just about replacing players—they are about finding the right balance at the perfect moment.

All eyes will now be on Lord’s, where another memorable chapter in the India-England rivalry is set to unfold.