IND vs SL 2024 ODI Series: Key Players battle to watch Out

After clinching the T20I series 3-0, India is looking to repeat their success in the ODIs as well. This time, experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul will take on Sri Lanka. In the third T20I, Sri Lanka seemed to be getting into form as their bowling dominated the Indian batters, but unexpected performances from Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav turned the game around. No one could have believed that Suryakumar Yadav would defend 6 runs in the last over, but he made it possible, and that over became the turning point of the match. India won the game in a super over and completed a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series.

The ODI series will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Rohit Sharma will once again lead the Indian side, and it will be interesting to see Kohli, KL Rahul, Rohit, and Shreyas Iyer back in action after a long time. Sri Lanka has been struggling to find form since the World Cup, so this ODI series will be a tough challenge for them. Sri Lanka is gearing up to host India in a three-match ODI series starting August 2, 2024. Here are the IND vs SL player battles to watch out for in the ODI series:

IND vs SL Players Battle

1. Rohit Sharma vs Mathisha Pathirana

Rohit Sharma’s stats against Sri Lanka are very impressive; he enjoys playing against them. Rohit has played 50 matches against Sri Lanka, scoring 1,860 runs at an average of 46.50, including 7 fifties and 6 centuries, with a highest score of 264. In 31 matches played in Sri Lanka, he has scored 777 runs at an average of 28.10, with 5 fifties and 2 hundreds. At R. Premadasa Stadium, Rohit has played 5 matches, scoring 267 runs at an average of 89.00, with 2 fifties and 1 century, his highest being 124 not out.

 

Matheesa Pathirana is one of the most impressive fast bowlers in Sri Lanka right now, and cricket experts have referred to him as the next Malinga for the team. In the first T20I against India, he took four wickets. Pathirana gained fame during the IPL 2023 season while playing for Chennai Super Kings under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, and he continued to perform well in the IPL 2024. Although he has played only 2 ODI matches against India, he did not take any wickets in those games.

The last time Rohit and Pathirana met was in the Asia Cup 2023 league match, and they haven’t faced each other in ODIs since. This time, there is a high chance they will encounter each other as Rohit will open for India and Pathirana will bowl for Sri Lanka.

2. Arshdeep Singh vs Kusal Mendis

Arshdeep Singh will have a more significant role this time, as Bumrah is not part of the team. He was also part of the IND vs SL T20I series and will continue as a leading bowler for India. Although he has played many T20I matches against Sri Lanka, he has never played a single ODI against them.

On the other hand, Kusal Mendis has played several ODIs against India. While his stats against India are not outstanding, he has made quick runs in recent encounters. He has played a total of 12 matches against India, scoring 220 runs at an average of 18.33, with only 1 fifty.

The battle between Arshdeep and Kusal Mendis will be interesting, as Arshdeep is known for his varied bowling, while Mendis is known for his explosive batting. It will be intriguing to see who will come out on top in this IND vs SL player battle.

3. KL Rahul vs Maheesh Teekshana

After a long time, we will see KL Rahul back on the field playing an ODI. His last ODI appearance was against South Africa, where he scored only 21 runs, but India won the match. His last appearance against Sri Lanka was in the ODI World Cup 2023 at Wankhede, where he again scored 21 runs. Overall, KL Rahul has played 11 matches against Sri Lanka, scoring 309 runs in 9 innings at an average of 38.62, including 1 fifty and 1 hundred, both of which he scored in the second innings.

Maheesh Theekshana has played only 2 ODI matches and has taken just one wicket. His last appearance against India was in the ODI World Cup 2023, where he went wicketless.

The KL Rahul vs Maheesh Theekshana battle will be intriguing. Although they have faced each other multiple times in the IPL, seeing them play against each other in ODIs will be particularly satisfying

Remember, these player matchups—or, as I call them, player battles—are only possible when all players have the opportunity to be included in the playing XI. So, this is our IND vs SL ODI player battle. Which player battle from the ones mentioned above do you think will be the most entertaining to watch? Share your thoughts in the comment section and keep visiting Cricket Bet Pro for more intriguing articles.

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