SL vs IND, 1st ODI: First show of Rohit-Virat under Gambhir

Rohit Sharma is set to lead the Indian team for the first time since their T20 World Cup 2024 title win, as the ‘Men in Blue’ prepare for a three-match ODI series against the island nation.

Ahead of the first ODI, Indian skipper Rohit stressed that it is time to move on from their World Cup glory and focus on the tasks ahead.

“I had a good time off from cricket. It was a great feeling to return home after winning the World Cup and experiencing the celebrations in Delhi and Mumbai. But now, we have to move on; cricket moves on,” Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.

“Whatever we achieved in the past was good for that period, but time keeps moving forward, and we need to do the same,” he added.

This will be the first assignment for India’s batting mainstays Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli under the reign of the newly appointed coach, Gautam Gambhir.

KL Rahul vs Rishabh Pant: Selection Dilemma for Rohit Sharma

KL Rahul, the current wicketkeeper-batter, has been a mainstay since being appointed by the previous management under Rahul Dravid during last year’s Asia Cup. Rahul made a strong comeback from a lengthy injury layoff and has since been consistent with both the bat and gloves, scoring 834 runs in 21 matches at an impressive average of 69.50, including two centuries. He also showcased his leadership skills as captain during the ODI series against South Africa earlier this year. His reliable performances behind the stumps make him a strong contender for the position.

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant’s return to the Indian squad after a severe accident in 2022 has been encouraging. Pant re-entered the team through a series of T20 Internationals, and while his recent performances have shown promise, he has not yet consistently delivered at the highest level. The selectors now face a tough decision: whether Pant’s recent form is enough to replace the in-form Rahul as the preferred wicketkeeper-batter.

Colombo Pitch Conditions

The first ODI is set to begin at 2:30 PM IST. Weather conditions in Colombo may influence the match, with recent observations from the Lanka Premier League indicating improved batting conditions, according to a Cricinfo report. However, bowlers, particularly spinners, could still find assistance.

Sri Lanka’s Challenge

Sri Lanka, featuring a mix of experienced and young players, will look to avoid the batting collapses that hindered their performance in the recent T20I series. The team will be without key pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madhushanka due to injuries, which could affect their bowling strength.

SQUADS:

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Ehsan Malinga, Mohammed Shiraz, Asitha Fernando.