India have added Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to their line-up for the second semi-final against Sri Lanka in the men’s competition at the 2026 Asian Games. Despite Sooryavanshi’s inclusion, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma retain their places, creating a sturdy top order with Samson set to bat at number 3.
In a strategic move, Arshdeep Singh is left out as India opt for the multi-talents of Shivam Dube, who will provide seam-bowling support alongside spin all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. The spin attack is further bolstered by the inclusion of leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Jasprit Bumrah stands as India’s sole specialist fast bowler.
Sri Lanka have put forward three debutants: wicketkeeper-batsman Sohan de Livera, top-order batsman Sineth Jayawardena, and spin-bowling all-rounder Wanuja Sahan. Their bowling resources feature two pacemen, Binura Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne, complemented by a trio of spinners: leggie Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, ambidextrous Tharindu Ratnayake, and the captain, Sahan Arachchige, who brings offspin to the table.
Both teams reached the semi-finals owing to their superior rankings after previous quarter-final matches were abandoned due to weather. Present conditions appear favourable, but should rain interfere again, India’s higher ranking will see them through to the final.
Teams:
India: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah
Sri Lanka: Lasith Croospulle, Sineth Jayawardena, Sohan de Livera (wk), Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige (capt), Nuwanidu Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanuja Sahan, Tharindu Rathnayake, Binura Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
