India’s newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, couldn’t have asked for a better start to his tenure. The Men in Blue blanked hosts Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20Is in Pallekele, and now the action shifts to Colombo for the three-match ODI series. With the arrival of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav, the visitors are aiming to maintain their winning momentum.
Unlike the T20Is, where the team is undergoing a transition, India has a solid core in the 50-over format. The upcoming series provides a chance to solidify a few positions and build a strong bench for the future. Considering India’s limited ODI schedule leading up to the Champions Trophy in February 2025, these matches are crucial for Gambhir and Rohit to solidify their vision for the team.
One key area of focus will be identifying a third pacer to complement Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. While Mohammed Shami impressed at the 2022 ODI World Cup, the management is seeking a younger player as cover. The selectors have included young pacer Harshit Rana, who impressed in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders, alongside left-arm pacers Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed.
The wicketkeeper’s slot poses another interesting dilemma. K.L. Rahul has performed well both as a middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper in recent years. However, Rishabh Pant’s return to the ODI setup after a two-year absence introduces a new dynamic. Pant provides a left-handed option for the batting lineup, but his inclusion alongside Rahul would necessitate playing only five frontline bowlers.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is facing challenges after losing two key pacers, Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana, to injuries on the eve of the series. The hosts struggled in the T20 series, suffering spectacular middle-order collapses that led to losses in all three matches. Charith Asalanka’s men will need to address this weakness quickly.
With an inexperienced pace attack, Sri Lanka will rely on their spin attack on a pitch that has historically been slow-paced. This could be a good strategy to tie down a strong Indian batting lineup. However, the Lions face an uphill battle, having lost their last ten encounters against India across all formats. They will be looking for a win to give their fans something to cheer for.
The first ODI match is scheduled to start at 14.30 IST at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
