Mohali: The Rohit Sharma led Indian side would look forward to get back to winning ways when they take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Mohali on Wednesday.
Not many times would one find the India scorecard reading 29/7 at any point of time. Much to the shock of everyone, the batting unit failed big time in the first ODI as they just didn’t have any answer for the Sri Lankan bowling. Wickets kept on tumbling at regular intervals and it was only due to a valiant resistance from former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni that helped India cross the 100-run mark.
But on the bowling front, the hosts didn’t disappoint but put up a brave show to help India claw back into the match at all costs.
On the other hand, it was one perfect comeback for the Sri Lankans, and it was Suranga Lakmal once again, who was the man of the hour for the visitors. The lanky pacer had rattled the Indian batting on the first day of the Kolkata Test match some time back and in Dharamsala, he was at his absolute best as he ended up with four wickets, conceding not too many runs. He was well supported by paceman Nuwan Pradeep who too was amongst the wickets.
As a matter of fact, newly appointed skipper Thisara Perera didn’t wish to think much about the first match and now has his sights firmly set on a rare series victory in India. Having broken their 13-match losing streak in ODIs, they are the favourites ahead of the second game in Mohali.
“This is a fine opportunity to win the series. The first game is now history. I know this is a good opportunity for us to win. I don’t think anyone else has done that in the last few years,” he said.
If the Indian team fails to win the match in Mohali, then it would be their first ODI series defeat since going down to Australia 1-4 back in January 2016.
The Indian team sans Virat Kohli might see a few changes in the series deciding match. Washington Sundar, the young Tamil Nadu all-rounder, who was drafted into the side as a replacement for middle-order batsman Kedar Jadhav might get a game. Also, a major change which is expected is the inclusion of Ajinkya Rahane which would give the hosts some much needed stability to the middle-order.