In the balmy settings of Colombo, the Indian cricket team embarked on a crucial practice session on Tuesday, ahead of the final match in their ODI series against Sri Lanka. Shubman Gill made an assertive start by striding out to the pitch to face left-arm spinner Axar Patel, executing a powerful stroke. This scene underlined a strategic shift from the Indian side, which notably neglected the use of footwork against spin in their previous outing—a tactic they paid for with a significant loss. The game was a wake-up call for India, spurring them to fine-tune their middle-overs approach as they look to level the series.
India’s difficulties were clearly on display last Sunday when five of their batsmen were adjudged LBW—an all-time high for them in ODI cricket. The architect of their downfall was an unexpected addition to Sri Lanka’s squad, a leg-spinner who maintained a disciplined, stump-to-stump line. Assistant Coach Abhishek Nayar pinpointed these middle-over tribulations as an area requiring immediate correction, acknowledging that consistent failures had plagued the team for two consecutive matches. As the series finale looms, the emphasis has been on addressing these issues in practice.
Throughout a comprehensive two-hour training session, Indian heavyweights including Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli appeared highly engaged, working meticulously on various batting drills. Their aim is to translate these experiments into effective strategies for the decisive match. The loss in the second ODI has opened up two possible paths for India—either to deploy their strongest XI to salvage a series draw or to continue tinkering with the squad in preparation for the next major ICC tournament, which is just six months away.
The loss has been a bitter pill for Gautam Gambhir and his newly-appointed coaching staff, who have inherited a team that showcased some of the country’s finest ODI cricket just under a year ago. While the early phase of their tenure has seen moderate success, a setback in this series could leave them grappling with more questions than answers. Ending their two-week tour on a disappointing note would not be an ideal outcome, especially for a side that prides itself on resilience and adaptability.
Scheduled for Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 2:30 PM local time, the final game is set to take place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Expectations point towards another low-scoring affair, with spinners likely to benefit from the conditions. The weather forecast anticipates pleasant skies marred with light cloud cover—a perfect setting for a gripping conclusion to an intriguing series.
Team news from the Sri Lankan camp suggests minimal changes. Buoyed by their unbeaten run so far, they are likely to stick with the XI that performed so well on Sunday. There is, however, a potential tweak in the batting order, with Dunith Wellalage possibly moving up the ranks.
Sri Lanka’s probable XI: Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Kusal Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando.
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On the Indian side, Rohit Sharma was seen at the practice but refrained from batting. Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, engaged in an aggressive session against spinners. Senior players Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul focused on long stints in the nets, making the most of the available practice time. Notably, neither Mohammed Siraj nor Arshdeep Singh participated in the bowling drills.
India’s probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shivam Dube/Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed.
Interesting statistics add layers of intrigue to the upcoming match. Before this series, Janith Liyanage boasted an ODI average of 199 against spin. However, this series has been less fruitful for him, scoring only 32 runs in two innings and experiencing an unjust dismissal once. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan spin duo of Dunith Wellalage and Akila Dananjaya have managed to concede 173 runs in a combined 34 overs, capturing only three wickets between them. On the flip side, Sadeera Samarawickrama, who entered the series with an impressive average of 180 against left-arm orthodox spin, has twice fallen victim to Axar Patel in the series.
In the lead-up to the game, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar optimistically remarked, “We are quality players of spin. We always played in these kinds of wickets even at home, in Tests, and domestic cricket as well. It is just a matter of finding a way in their own individual ways and trying to get the job done.”
Sri Lankan spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who took six wickets in the second ODI, shared his own perspective: “There was a lot of pressure coming into the side. I am coming out of a layoff… There was assistance in the wicket, I was trying to hit the good areas. Once I got my first wicket, that built up my confidence. Fortunately, I was able to take six wickets.”
As both sides prepare for the final showdown, India will be hoping that their attention to detail in practice translates to success on the field, enabling them to leave Sri Lanka with a leveled series.