India’s cricket team has faced a major setback, suffering a series loss against Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years. The loss, which unfolded during the ongoing ODI series, has raised significant concerns about the team’s performance and strategy as they prepare for future competitions.
The three-match ODI series began with high hopes for India, who had recently completed a clean sweep in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. However, the ODI series has taken a disappointing turn, with India unable to secure a win after a tied first ODI and a troubling defeat in the second match.
The first ODI, held on August 1, ended in a dramatic tie, with both teams scoring 240 runs. Despite a strong performance from captain Rohit Sharma, who scored 58 runs, India faltered in the final overs, unable to chase down the target effectively. The tie set the stage for a crucial second ODI, where India aimed to regain control of the series.
In the second ODI, played on August 4 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India suffered a 32-run defeat. Sri Lanka batted first and set a target of 240 runs, largely thanks to an important partnership between Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis, who contributed significantly to the team’s total.
India started their innings positively with a strong opening partnership of 97 runs, featuring a rapid 64 runs from Rohit Sharma. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as India lost six wickets for just 50 runs, collapsing from a promising position of 147/6 to 208 all out.
Key players, including Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, failed to deliver, with Kohli scoring just 14 runs and Rahul going for a duck. Dunith Wellalage emerged as the standout performer for Sri Lanka, taking five wickets and dismantling India’s batting order.
The defeat in Colombo was particularly significant, as it marked the first time in 27 years that India failed to win a bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka, where at least one match was completed.
The last time Sri Lanka triumphed in an ODI series against India was in August 1997, when they defeated the Indian team 3-0 in a five-match series.