After securing the T20I series 3-0, India are all set to face Sri Lanka in a 3-match ODI series with stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning.
India have truly dominated Sri Lanka in the T20I series! The first two games saw India shine, with both batters and bowlers performing excellently. Suryakumar Yadav, leading India for the first time as a full-time captain, guided the team to impressive victories.
In the first T20I, India showcased a balanced team effort, with the top order setting a solid foundation and the bowlers defending the total with ease. The second match was no different, with standout performances from both batters and bowlers.
The third T20I looked like it would be a one-sided win for Sri Lanka before a dramatic turnaround in the dying moments of the game. Sri Lanka seemed poised to win, needing just 30 runs from 30 balls with 9 wickets in hand. What followed was unbelievable as wickets kept tumbling. With 9 runs needed off 12 balls and 6 wickets in hand, India found unlikely heroes with the ball in Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav, who took a combined 4 wickets for 11 runs, leading to a Super Over. Sri Lanka scored just 2 in the Super Over and India chased it down on the first delivery.
Now, it's time to focus on the ODI series. Sri Lanka has retained Charith Asalanka as their captain, while India welcome back Rohit Sharma as skipper. The team is further bolstered by the returns of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant.
Riyan Parag joins the ODI squad after playing all 3 T20Is. On the bowling side, Kuldeep Yadav returns after missing the T20Is, while Harshit Rana has also been included. The rest of the bowling lineup remains the same as the T20I team. Kuldeep's return is particularly significant as his spin bowling can be a game-changer on pitches which have produced a lot of spin.
Historically, India have the upper hand in ODIs against Sri Lanka. Out of 168 matches, India have won 99, while Sri Lanka have won 57. India have won nine of the last ten ODIs against Sri Lanka, with the last two seeing Sri Lanka bowled out for 55 and 50 runs, respectively - once in the 2023 Asia Cup final and then again in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
India's dominance over Sri Lanka is clear, and we can expect more of the same in the upcoming ODI series based on their current form. The Indian team, with a blend of experienced players and young talents, appear well-prepared to continue their winning streak. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will need to put in a significantly improved performance to challenge India and avoid another series of one-sided games.
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