India got some positive news ahead of the third T20I against Sri Lanka, with off-spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma declared fit and available for selection. India head coach Amol Majumdar confirmed the update on the eve of the match on Thursday. Deepti could not play the second T20 match in Visakhapatnam due to suffering from mild fever. The Indian team management decided not to take any risks and the BCCI medical team kept a close eye on his recovery. India won that match by seven wickets and now lead 2-0 in the five-match series.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Muzumdar assured that Deepti is fully fit and ready to play. “Deepti is absolutely fine. He is available and fit,'' he said. Muzumdar also talked about fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur, who has not played in the first two matches of the series. He explained that his absence was due to the team trying out different combinations and not due to any injury concerns. Muzumdar said, “For Renuka, we were again looking at a different combination. Also trying a few things, and she has been an integral part of this team, as you know in the last two years. It is about trying a few things within the group.” The coach also shared an update on Jemimah Rodrigues, who has been in good form in the series so far. Jemimah scored an unbeaten 69 in the first T20I and followed it up with 26 in the second match in Visakhapatnam. However, he did not take part in the practice session ahead of the third T20I. Muzumdar clarified that Jemima did not attend the exercise only as a precautionary measure. He said that he had a slight problem but he is fine and has been given rest to avoid any risk. He told, “Jemima had a little trouble, but I think she is fine. She is just resting today. The doctors and physios are keeping a close eye on her and monitoring her constantly. She should be fine. It is just a mandatory rest that she wants.” When asked about the team combination for the third T20 match, Muzumdar said that the final decision on the playing XI will be taken on the match day. “We will decide the playing XI on the morning of the game,” he said. With key players fit and available, India will look to continue their strong performance in the series and aim to take an unassailable lead against Sri Lanka.
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