India’s cricket team faced a significant setback with a crushing defeat against Sri Lanka in the third ODI of their series, losing by 110 runs. This loss not only marked a disappointing end to the series but also highlighted India’s struggles with their batting lineup and strategies. Sri Lanka won the three-match series 2-0, with the first match ending in a tie, marking their first bilateral ODI series victory over India since 1997.
The final ODI, held in Colombo, was a showcase of Sri Lankan spin prowess. Indian batters were unable to cope with the spinning conditions, especially against the standout performance of Dunith Wellalage. The young left-arm spinner delivered an impressive five-wicket haul, dismissing key Indian players and dismantling the Indian batting order.
Sri Lanka, batting first, set a challenging target of 249 runs. Their innings was anchored by Avishka Fernando, who scored a well-crafted 96 runs, supported by Kusal Mendis with 59 runs. The Indian bowlers struggled on the sharp-turning Premadasa pitch, with Mohammed Siraj being particularly expensive.
In their chase, India started with some promise. Rohit Sharma, leading from the front, scored a quick 35 runs off 20 balls. However, his aggressive approach led to his downfall when he was caught out while attempting a sweep shot. The loss of Sharma triggered a dramatic collapse in the Indian batting lineup.
Virat Kohli, a key figure in the team, was dismissed for 20 runs, falling victim to Wellalage's spin. Rishabh Pant, making his comeback after a severe car accident, was stumped by Kusal Mendis, further exacerbating India’s woes. The debutant Riyan Parag also failed to make an impact, getting bowled out by Jeffrey Vandersay.
The Indian team’s batting performance was marked by a series of poor decisions and technical flaws. The team’s collapse was evident as seven players were dismissed either leg before wicket or bowled out. This highlighted the significant challenge they faced against Sri Lankan spin attacks.
Despite a strong effort from Parag, who took three wickets for 54 runs, and Kuldeep Yadav, who picked up one wicket, India’s bowlers could not restrict Sri Lanka to a manageable total. Fernando’s innings, supported by Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, ensured that Sri Lanka posted a total that was well beyond India’s reach.
The defeat has raised questions about India’s preparation and adaptability in foreign conditions. The team’s inability to handle spin-friendly pitches and adapt their batting strategies were evident throughout the series. The new head coach Gautam Gambhir now faces the challenge of addressing these issues and preparing the team for future competitions.
Sri Lanka’s win is a significant achievement for them, especially given the context of their performance over the past years. The series victory is a testament to their effective use of home conditions and spin bowling resources. For India, this series has been a wake-up call, highlighting areas that need urgent attention and improvement.
The series loss, especially after such a prolonged period, underscores the need for Indian cricket to reassess its strategies and preparation. With the next major tournaments on the horizon, including the ODI World Cup, the Indian team will need to regroup and address the deficiencies exposed during this series.
Follow us
