The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo ended in a thrilling tie, exposing India’s vulnerability against quality spin bowling, despite a dominant performance from skipper Rohit Sharma. Chasing a modest target of 231, India were initially propelled by Rohit’s blistering 58 off 47 balls. His innings, studded with powerful strokes and aggressive intent, stood in stark contrast to the struggles of his teammates against a disciplined Sri Lankan spin attack. Rohit’s dismissal, adjudged leg-before off Dananjaya, unveiled India’s fragility against spin. The pitch, initially appearing benign during Rohit’s innings, began to offer turn and variable bounce, causing significant trouble for the Indian middle order.
KL Rahul (31 off 43 balls), known for his measured approach, struggled to rotate the strike, putting pressure on the incoming batsmen. Virat Kohli (23), Shreyas Iyer (24), and Axar Patel (33) all got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Wanindu Hasaranga (3/58), Akila Dananjaya (1/40), Dunith Wellalage (2/39), and skipper Charith Asalanka (3/30), bowled with remarkable discipline and guile, choking the run flow and picking up wickets at crucial junctures. Asalanka, in particular, turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor with two wickets in two balls, pushing India on the back foot.
Earlier, Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, were bolstered by crucial half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka (56) and debutant Dunith Wellalage (67*). Nissanka anchored the innings with a composed knock, while Wellalage displayed maturity and confidence beyond his years, guiding Sri Lanka past the 200-run mark. The Indian bowlers, despite the eventual tie, performed admirably on a helpful surface. Mohammed Siraj struck early, while Shivam Dube, returning to ODIs after a five-year hiatus, impressed with a wicket. Kuldeep Yadav, though wicketless, bowled economically, keeping the pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen.
The match, ultimately ending in a tie thanks to late hitting from Shivam Dube, exposed India’s over-reliance on Rohit Sharma and their susceptibility against spin. It served as a timely reminder that despite boasting a formidable batting lineup, India needs to address their vulnerability against spin bowling to achieve consistent success in the ODI format.
