Sri Lanka (SL) and India (IND) are all set to continue their white-ball series by taking on each other across three ODI matches. After their recent T20I series, in which India (IND) clean-swept Sri Lanka (SL), both sides will now lock horns in the first ODI. The clash will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2.
The Indian team could look quite different as compared to the T20I series. Rohit Sharma will be leading India in the ODI series, with the likes of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer making their return to the squad once more. Furthermore, with a subpar showing in the T20I series, Sri Lanka will hope to improve with the first ODI around the corner.
SL vs IND : Previous Performances
The one silver lining in all this is that it might, however briefly, take their minds off the last two times these sides met in a 50-over contest, where Sri Lanka collectively scored 105 runs. In fact, across their last four ODI meetings, Sri Lanka have failed to reach triple digits on three occasions.
In terms of recent form, Sri Lanka have had success in ODIs this year against Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, but their last ODI win against India was back in July 2021. That result had brought an end to a five-match losing streak against India – in fact, each of Sri Lanka’s last three ODI victories against India have come in service of disrupting five-game losing streaks. So if you are looking for a straw to clutch onto, Sri Lanka’s current losing streak to India in ODIs stands at six.
As far as India go, this is just the next step in a pristinely mapped-out path to the Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back in the fold, with the team’s primary focus on ironing out kinks and settling into a nice team combination. You also imagine they will be quietly hoping for a sterner challenge than what was on offer in the T20Is.
SL vs IND : Head to Head
| Matches | 168 |
| Won by Sri Lanka | 57 |
| Won by India | 99 |
| No Result | 11 |
| First played | June 18, 1979 |
| Last played | November 2, 2023 |
SL vs IND : Pitch Report
The surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, is one that initially prefers the batters. The dry surface of the pitch helps the batters score big in the early stages. However, as the ball gets old, the bowlers start to make an impact. Opting to bat first and putting on a big total on the board could be a wise decision at this venue in the upcoming first ODI of the series
If the recent Lanka Premier League is to go by, the conditions for batting might have improved in Colombo compared to recent years, but there is still a fair amount in it for the bowlers, particularly the spinners. But getting a complete game on Friday might be tricky, with pockets of heavy rain expected throughout the day.
Scattered showers are forecast for Friday, and there is a possibility that a third game in a row in this ongoing India tour of Sri Lanka will be impacted by rain and wet outfield. If the match remains unhampered, it should be a reasonably low scoring affair. Since 2022, 13 ODIs have been played at the venue with an average first innings score of 225. However, for teams who have won batting first, their average score has shot up to 270.
SL vs IND Big Picture : SL hit by injuries and illness
Sri Lanka just can’t catch a break. While still reeling from the almost comical nature of the defeat in the final T20I, one which handed India a 3-0 series sweep – and possibly a multitude of nervous breakdowns to those watching, their preparations for the ODI leg have been hampered significantly by the injury or illness-related absence of no less than five of their fast bowlers.
This has meant that the uncapped Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga have been called up to hopefully – keeping all fingers and toes crossed here – provide support for the only other fit seamer in the squad in Asitha Fernando, and the all-round stylings of Chamika Karunaratne.
Except for the players, the support staff, the cameramen, and the organizers, everyone who could afford the luxury of taking shade opted for it on Thursday (August 1) afternoon at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Well, everyone except two enthusiastic gentlemen in the square stands, who tirelessly waved the Indian flag as the team practiced, possibly signaling the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket. Or maybe they just really love waving flags.
Even before the euphoria of the T20 World Cup win had a chance to fade, Rohit Sharma is gearing up to lead his side in yet another global event in six months. This time, it’s a different format, one that India haven’t dipped their toes into for more than half of 2024.
With only six scheduled games to find their rhythm before the Champions Trophy next year, the Indian captain has clarified that the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka in Colombo will not be played on a ‘practice ground’. International cricket is serious business, he asserted, even if a few experiments are on the agenda.
India’s ODI setup, largely intact from one of their best World Cup campaigns in 2023, now awaits the touch of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. In the eight months since that tournament, India have played only three ODIs, all under the captaincy of KL Rahul. Yet, the return of Rohit promises more than just familiar faces.
Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja have been rested for the upcoming series, while Mohammed Shami is still on his way back to full fitness. Their absence creates an opportunity for the backups to get gametime in some crucial roles.
The bigger question for India, though, is the curious case of the wicketkeeper’s slot. With KL Rahul doing a commendable job in Rishabh Pant’s absence, is there still room for the southpaw to return to the XI, having not played the 50-over format for nearly two years? The notable absence of any other left-hander in the top six of a full-strength lineup is his big advantage. The Indian captain has kept his cards close to his chest about who will be India’s No. 1 wicketkeeper, but it’s a dilemma he seems quite content to mull over.
While India might be aiming for another clean sweep, their opponents, Sri Lanka, battered by recent defeats and a string of injuries – six frontline fast bowlers down – will be equally eager, if not desperate, to notch a win. Despite lacking the urgency unlike India to prepare for the 2025 Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka’s determination to break their losing streak adds an additional layer of intrigue to the series. And who knows, maybe more flag-waving gentlemen will have reasons to celebrate on Friday night.
SL vs IND : Vital Stats that matters
- Only Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan among Full Members have a worse win-loss ratio versus over the past ten years than Sri Lanka. In that time India and Sri Lanka have played 24 ODIs, with Sri Lanka winning just three.
- Kohli’s 2594 runs are the second-most by an opposition batter against Sri Lanka in ODIs. Sachin Tendulkar sits atop the list with 3113.
- Since the start of 2023, no batter has more runs in ODIs than Nissanka’s 1648.
- In 10 innings in Colombo, Virat Kohli has scored 644 runs at an average of 107.33, including four centuries
- Sadeera Samarawickrama, who is yet to score a run against Mohammed Siraj in ODIs, has been dismissed twice by the Indian pacer
- India is yet to play an ODI in 2024
SL vs IND : In the spotlight: Pathum Nissanka and Kuldeep Yadav
It’s clear that Sri Lanka are still struggling to rectify their longstanding middle- and lower-order struggles; much of their recent success has been borne out of top-order contributions. The primary source of this has been Pathum Nissanka. His 497 runs across six ODIs is comfortably the most by any batter in the world this year. Not just that, his strike rate of 122.41 is also the best among those with at least 200 runs. Sri Lanka will need Nissanka at the top of his game if they are to challenge this well-rounded Indian outfit.
With the action moving from Kandy to Colombo, the balance between bat and ball should also shift. The Khettarama has traditionally been one where scores of 300 or more are on the rarer side, with spin tending to play a pivotal role. Enter Kuldeep Yadav, who played an important part in India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph but sat out the T20Is against Sri Lanka. While Ravi Bishnoi and, particularly, Riyan Parag impressed in his stead, Kuldeep will be keen to make his mark on the tour.
SL vs IND : Team News
Sri Lanka: The hosts have been hit further by two more of their fast bowlers getting ruled out due to injuries, taking the total of fast bowler injuries to six. Dilshan Madushanka has suffered a Grade 2 injury to his left hamstring while Matheesha Pathirana has injured his shoulder. Uncapped fast bowlers Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga were included in the squad a day ahead of the first game.
Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Mahesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando
India: Rishabh Pant has returned to the ODI side after having last featured in a 50-over contest almost two years ago. The question is whether he will directly replace KL Rahul as the ‘keeper of the ODI side or whether he will have to wait his turn. India could also be tempted to try out the uncapped Harshit Rana in the XI, a rare pacer who offers some batting potential lower down the order.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube/Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Khaleel Ahmed/Arshdeep Singh
IND vs SRI Fantasy XI : Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli , Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana
SL vs IND : Probable Top Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter: Virat Kohli
Star India batter Virat Kohli could be the best batter in the upcoming game against Sri Lanka. Kohli will be playing his first ODI for India after the ODI World Cup, and with 506 runs in his last seven games, a lot will be expected from Kohli in the first ODI.
Probable Best Bowler: Mohammed Siraj
Ace India pacer Mohammed Siraj could be the best bowler in the first ODI. Siraj has performed exceptionally well against Sri Lanka in the past, and his spell could be crucial for the Men in Blue in the first ODI.
SL vs IND : Match Prediction
Scenario 1
Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bat first
PP Score: 75-85
Score: 220-230
India win the match
Scenario 2
India win the toss and opt to bat first
PP score: 110-120
Score: 290-300
India win the match