This is not the ideal start for Gautam Gambhir in his debut ODI assignment as the team’s head coach.
India’s last bilateral ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka was in 1997 when Arjuna Ranatunga’s team inflicted a 0-3 defeat on Sachin Tendulkar’s side.Since then, India has won all 11 bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka, both at home and away.
India cannot win the current series after losing the second ODI by 32 runs and tying the first match. The batsmen’s indecisiveness on the spin-friendly RPSC pitch has put the team in this uncomfortable position.
Kohli’s struggles have been the most evident, scoring only 38 runs in two matches. More concerning than the number of runs is the manner of his dismissals, falling to the leg-spin of Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay. Kohli appeared subdued and failed to capitalise on the strong starts provided by Rohit Sharma.
A confident and in-form Kohli is crucial for India’s success in the middle overs, whether chasing or setting a target. However, his struggles reflect the overall difficulties faced by the Indian batting unit.
Shivam Dube, the designated spin-hitter, failed to read a straightforward leg-break from Vandersay in the second ODI. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, known for their prowess against spinners, have struggled with their footwork and wrist play against the Lankan slow bowlers.
The Indian batsmen need to learn from Rohit’s approach, particularly his confidence and planning, to effectively rotate the strike and keep the spinners at bay on the Premadasa pitches. Rohit’s exceptional batting against both pace and spin has been a standout performance in the series.
Ind vs SL Match details:
India (IND) and Sri Lanka (SL) are set to face off in the third and final ODI of their three-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 7 at 2:30 PM IST.
Ind vs SL Head to head stats:
The two teams have a long history of playing against each other, with India holding the upper hand in their head-to-head record. Out of the 170 ODI matches played between the two sides, India has emerged victorious in 99 games, while Sri Lanka has managed to win 58 times.
Ind vs SL Pitch report:
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium has been a typical Sri Lankan wicket, offering slow and challenging conditions for the batters. The best time to score runs on this surface is when the ball is new and hard, as it comes onto the bat nicely. However, as the match progresses, the ball tends to slow down and starts to turn, making it difficult for the batters to score freely.
Ind vs SL Fantasy insights:
Considering the pitch conditions, top-order batters from both teams have the best chance of scoring well and earning fantasy points. While the new ball bowlers might not get much assistance from the wicket, spinners from both sides could prove to be valuable assets in fantasy XIs.
Ind vs SL Key players:
- Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper, has been in excellent form throughout the series, looking comfortable at the crease while other Indian batters have struggled. His current form and momentum make him one of the safest picks for fantasy contests.
- On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian left-arm wrist-spinner, has not been at his best in the series. However, given the nature of the wicket, he has the potential to emerge as one of the highest point earners in this game.
- For Sri Lanka, young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has been impressive with both bat and ball in the series. His current rhythm in both departments makes him one of the top picks for the game.
- Additionally, Jeffrey Vandersay, the Sri Lankan skipper, had a remarkable performance in the last ODI, dismissing six Indian batters. With his current form, he can be a valuable asset in fantasy contests.
Ind vs SL Squad:
India: Rohit Sharma (C), áhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Akila Dananjaya, Mohamed Shiraz, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Jeffrey Vandersay.
Ind vs SL Dream11 team:
Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul, Kusal Mendis
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka
All-rounders: Washington Sundar, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jeffrey Vandersay