As India’s tour of Sri Lanka enters its second and final leg, cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for the much-anticipated One-Day International (ODI) series, which is set to commence on August 2. This series encapsulates the excitement and fervor of international cricket, as all three matches are scheduled to be played at the renowned R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the matches, Indian cricket superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are making their return to the team after a hiatus of more than a month. The dynamic duo had taken a break following their triumphant performance in the T20 World Cup, where India emerged victorious against South Africa in a riveting final held on June 29 in Barbados. With Sharma back at the helm as the captain and the introduction of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach, India is poised for an exciting cricket showdown.
India’s dominance in the shorter formats was underscored recently when they claimed a 3-0 victory in the T20I series against Sri Lanka under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy. As they now look to extend their winning streak, India is deemed the favorite to secure the ODI series, given their impressive track record against Sri Lanka. These ODIs carry added significance for the Indian squad as they prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy set to take place in February next year.
On the Sri Lankan side, there are several noteworthy updates. Charith Asalanka has been appointed as the new ODI captain, marking a fresh chapter for the national team. Additionally, Akila Dananjaya is slated to make his return to the ODI format, a move that could bolster the team’s strength. As Sri Lanka looks ahead to the 2027 World Cup, they are in a rebuilding phase, especially since they did not qualify for the Champions Trophy.
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Among the new faces in the Sri Lankan cricket lineup is Nishan Madushka, who has received his maiden call-up to the ODI team. He is likely to serve as a backup opener while Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are expected to open the innings. The Sri Lankan team is eager to showcase their talents and capitalize on this opportunity to make a significant impact.
**IND vs SL ODI Series: All You Need to Know**
**Schedule:**
– **1st ODI** – August 2
– **2nd ODI** – August 4
– **3rd ODI** – August 7
All matches will be held at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo and are scheduled to start at 2:30 PM IST.
**Squads:**
– **India**: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.
– **Sri Lanka**: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madhushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.
**Where to Watch:**
The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network. For online viewers, live streaming will be available on Sony LIV.
As both teams collide for this crucial series, cricket fans across the globe will watch closely to see if India can maintain its dominance or if Sri Lanka can stage an upset. With seasoned players and fresh talents gearing up for a competitive play, the series promises to be a thrilling chapter in the annals of cricket. As Rohit Sharma leads his men to the field and Charith Asalanka embarks on his captaincy journey, the stage is set for a fascinating contest of skill, strategy, and raw talent.
Only time will reveal which side will emerge victorious, but one thing is certain: fans will be treated to some scintillating cricket action.
