3rd ODI: Will India stave off Sri Lanka to keep a nearly three-decade long record intact? | Parami News

The 3rd Wednesday ODI is a must-win for India in the aspect of spin as it would be their first series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years. Rohit Sharma has shown them the way and now it’s up to the rest of his batting order to follow.

This is definitely not what Gautam Gambhir, who emphasized winning, expected when he started off his career as head coach.

India last lost an ODI bilateral series against Lankans in 1997. There were no defeats in the eleven subsequent series of fifty-over games between these two teams.

However, with a tie and a 32-run loss to show for their efforts so far, the tourists are not used to being at this position. India cannot win this three-match series now but will make sure they do not lose on C R Premadasa Stadium’s final day at Colombo on Wedneday.

It was mostly due to their batsmen that caused Indian team such discomfort by appearing indecisive on a surface offering loads of turn to spinners.

More than any other player Virat Kohli showed how brittle the team remains. His dismissals have been even more troubling currently because he only scored 38 runs over two matches.

The opener played with some restraint after Rohit’s explosive starts in both games. The world-class batter within Kohli went dormant during his struggles against leg-breaks from Wanindu Hasaranga and then six-wicket taker from Jeffrey Vandersay in first and second matches respectively before finally succumbing to them.

Maybe instead of allowing his mind be tormented with present challenges, Kohli will resort back distantly happy memories? A fluent Kohli helps India succeed through most matches during middle overs whether chasing or setting targets?

Dube failed to read a simple leg-breaker from Vandersay which resulted in an lbw dismissal during second one-dayer; Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul who are known for their mastery over spinners have not been able to move their feet and use the wrists effectively while facing Lankan slow bowlers.

Perhaps, one should take into account how Rohit bats: not necessarily his approach but rather, confidence and game plan behind his innings.

Rohit has had a phenomenal control over the Lankan bowlers both pacers and spinners. The way he was striking the ball during his 44-ball 64 didn’t give an impression that it was a risky business.

Whether or not Dube’s spot is reconsidered by the team management in terms of Wednesday’s match remains to be seen.

When considering the pitch conditions in Colombo, Riyan Parag a batting all-rounder who bowls spin may be much more useful than Dube’s medium pace that goes straight on given this scenario.

The other side of Indian needs to ensure they do not go out without spoiling host for anything less than a modest total as evidenced in previous matches where India failed to dismiss themselves for such scores even after having them at 6/136 and 6/142.