Ahead of the third ODI against Sri Lanka, the Indian batsmen will have a huge responsibility to counterattack against Lanka's spinners. Here is all you need to know (Pic: File Pic)
Updated On: 2024-08-06 06:08 PM IST
Compiled by : Sujay Shivalkar
If Sri Lanka manages to win the third match, it will be Team India's first series loss against their distant rivals in 27 years
It is certainly not the start, Gautam Gambhir was looking forward to after taking over the ODI format as head coach
The last time, the "Men in Blue" were defeated in the series by Sri Lankans was in 1997. It was Arjuna Ranatunga and his men who handed over a 0-3 defeat to Sachin Tendulkar-led India
Curiously, none reflected that brittleness more than star batter Virat Kohli. He has made 38 runs in two matches, but more than the volume of runs, the manner of his dismissals evoked greater concern. A flowing Kohli is imperative for India's healthy run in the middle overs, be it while chasing or setting a target
After Kohli, Shivam Dube who is known for taking over spin with ease got trapped by Jeffrey in the second ODI. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, too have dominated spinners earlier but they seemed unresponsive against the Lankan slow bowlers
Under the existing conditions, Riyan Parag's spin, either off-spin or leg-spin, might come handier than the honest medium pace of Dube, and the former is an equally good hard-hitter
From their part, the Team India bowlers too should improve their effort in the business end as they failed to apply the finishing touches to Lanka after reducing them to 142 for six and 136 for six
