Rohit Sharma-led India lost to Sri Lanka by 32 runs in the second and penultimate ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday (Aug 4). Chasing 241, India were 97 for no loss before the visitors collapsed in the run-chase courtesy of&nbsp;Jeffrey Vandersay's 6 for 33. The defeat came as a shock to many, given the strong start given by the Indian openers. It became the second successive instance where India's middle-order struggled to capitalise on a good start and fell flat in the ongoing three ODIs. After the match, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar was asked if this was a 'shock defeat'. He stated that the loss was no less than a surprise.&nbsp;

At the post-match presser, Nayar said, "Was it a shock? I would say yes, there is a surprise. But you anticipate and understand that in these conditions, the game can turn on its head because there is so much spin on offer. Even if you look at the last game, it was relatively easy to score against the new ball. As the ball got older, the conditions when batting second got slightly tougher. Sometimes, in tough conditions, especially in the 50-over format, this happens."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sl-vs-ind-2024-rohit-sharma-eclipses-sachin-tendulkar-on-this-list-with-quick-fifty-in-2nd-odi-747303">SL vs IND 2024: Rohit Sharma eclipses Sachin Tendulkar on THIS list with quick fifty in 2nd ODI</a>

Nayar further mentioned, "We want to go back and understand, and rectify, why it happened twice in a row. The day before yesterday, we were able to stitch partnerships. But today we lost quite a few wickets in a bundle."

He added, "They bowled well - I think Vandersay bowled the ideal length in these conditions. In such conditions, when the ball is turning - and the way Vandersay bowled today, used his finger, and bowled stump to stump - you get these phases when there is assistance from the pitch. I feel today we should give more credit to Sri Lanka."

India faltered in the 231-run chase in the first ODI as well. From 75 for 0, India got dismissed for 230 with 13 balls to spare as the game ended in a tie. After a loss in the second ODI, India are now trailing 1-0 and need to end the series at 1-1 with a win in the final encounter, on Wednesday (Aug 7) in Colombo. The onus will be on the batters, who have found it tough against the Sri Lankan spinners under lights. With enough on offer for the spinners, Indian batters will have to apply themselves in the middle and try to get a win in the series decider.

Rohit Sharma-led India lost to Sri Lanka by 32 runs in the second and penultimate ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday (Aug 4). Chasing 241, India were 97 for no loss before the visitors collapsed in the run-chase courtesy of Jeffrey Vandersay's 6 for 33.

Rohit Sharma-led India lost to Sri Lanka by 32 runs in the second and penultimate ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday (Aug 4). Chasing 241, India were 97 for no loss before the visitors collapsed in the run-chase courtesy of Jeffrey Vandersay's 6 for 33. The defeat came as a shock to many, given the strong start given by the Indian openers. It became the second successive instance where India's middle-order struggled to capitalise on a good start and fell flat in the ongoing three ODIs. After the match, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar was asked if this was a 'shock defeat'. He stated that the loss was no less than a surprise. At the post-match presser, Nayar said, "Was it a shock? I would say yes, there is a surprise. But you anticipate and understand that in these conditions, the game can turn on its head because there is so much spin on offer. Even if you look at the last game, it was relatively easy to score against the new ball. As the ball got older, the conditions when batting second got slightly tougher. Sometimes, in tough conditions, especially in the 50-over format, this happens." Also read: SL vs IND 2024: Rohit Sharma eclipses Sachin Tendulkar on THIS list with quick fifty in 2nd ODI Nayar further mentioned, "We want to go back and understand, and rectify, why it happened twice in a row. The day before yesterday, we were able to stitch partnerships. But today we lost quite a few wickets in a bundle." He added, "They bowled well - I think Vandersay bowled the ideal length in these conditions. In such conditions, when the ball is turning - and the way Vandersay bowled today, used his finger, and bowled stump to stump - you get these phases when there is assistance from the pitch. I feel today we should give more credit to Sri Lanka." India faltered in the 231-run chase in the first ODI as well. From 75 for 0, India got dismissed for 230 with 13 balls to spare as the game ended in a tie. After a loss in the second ODI, India are now trailing 1-0 and need to end the series at 1-1 with a win in the final encounter, on Wednesday (Aug 7) in Colombo. The onus will be on the batters, who have found it tough against the Sri Lankan spinners under lights. With enough on offer for the spinners, Indian batters will have to apply themselves in the middle and try to get a win in the series decider.

SL vs Ind: Was it a shock defeat for India in 2nd ODI? Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar responds

Ahead of the three ODIs versus Sri Lanka, Indian captain Rohit Sharma made it clear that Men in Blue isn't taking the Lanka games as a 'practice ground' for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The mega event will be held early next year, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, and India only have a handful of ODIs before that. While Rohit admitted that the team has one eye on the Champions Trophy but stated that the SL ODIs isn't a 'practice ground'.

Prior to the series opener in Colombo, on Friday (Aug 2), Rohit said in a press conference, "You get asked a lot whether this series is a preparation for the World Cup, or is this a preparation for the Champions Trophy. It's not a practice ground - it' still an international game. We will keep in our minds what we want to achieve, but this is by no means preparation or practice or anything like that. We want to come here and play good cricket and get something out of the series."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhir-chases-few-unanswered-questions-as-india-begin-quest-for-champions-trophy-2025-with-sl-odis-746322">Gautam Gambhir chases few unanswered questions as India begin quest for Champions Trophy 2025 with SL ODIs</a>

He added, "Of course we want to try everything possible, but when you're representing the nation, the quality of cricket should remain the way it is, and how we've played over the last few years. That is more important, rather than thinking about it as a preparation and saying let's go out and chill in Colombo. We don't think like that."

Rohit, along with Virat Kohli, returns to international cricket following the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. Hitman and Kohli retired from T20Is post the historic win in the mega event, held in West Indies and the USA. Along with Kohli and Rohit, ODI regulars such as KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer will also be in action during the Lanka ODIs.&nbsp;

Earlier in the tour, Suryakumar Yadav-led India whitewashed Sri Lanka in three T20Is which also kickstarted the Gautam Gambhir-era in Indian cricket. Gambhir took over as India's head coach from Rahul Dravid, whose tenure ended post the T20 WC win.

Ahead of the three ODIs versus Sri Lanka, Indian captain Rohit Sharma made it clear that Men in Blue isn't taking the Lanka games as a 'practice ground' for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Ahead of the three ODIs versus Sri Lanka, Indian captain Rohit Sharma made it clear that Men in Blue isn't taking the Lanka games as a 'practice ground' for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The mega event will be held early next year, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, and India only have a handful of ODIs before that. While Rohit admitted that the team has one eye on the Champions Trophy but stated that the SL ODIs isn't a 'practice ground'. Prior to the series opener in Colombo, on Friday (Aug 2), Rohit said in a press conference, "You get asked a lot whether this series is a preparation for the World Cup, or is this a preparation for the Champions Trophy. It's not a practice ground - it' still an international game. We will keep in our minds what we want to achieve, but this is by no means preparation or practice or anything like that. We want to come here and play good cricket and get something out of the series." Also read: Gautam Gambhir chases few unanswered questions as India begin quest for Champions Trophy 2025 with SL ODIs He added, "Of course we want to try everything possible, but when you're representing the nation, the quality of cricket should remain the way it is, and how we've played over the last few years. That is more important, rather than thinking about it as a preparation and saying let's go out and chill in Colombo. We don't think like that." Rohit, along with Virat Kohli, returns to international cricket following the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. Hitman and Kohli retired from T20Is post the historic win in the mega event, held in West Indies and the USA. Along with Kohli and Rohit, ODI regulars such as KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer will also be in action during the Lanka ODIs. Earlier in the tour, Suryakumar Yadav-led India whitewashed Sri Lanka in three T20Is which also kickstarted the Gautam Gambhir-era in Indian cricket. Gambhir took over as India's head coach from Rahul Dravid, whose tenure ended post the T20 WC win.

SL vs IND: Rohit Sharma denies Sri Lanka ODIs as Champions Trophy 'practice ground'. says 'by no means...'

Fresh from their historic T20 World Cup triumph last month, in Barbados, India will be back in action when they commence their tour of Sri Lanka on Saturday (July 27). The tour comprises of three T20Is and ODIs each and will see the return of many regulars who missed the five T20Is versus Zimbabwe, in the African nation, shortly after the&nbsp;WC triumph. The tour will also be Gautam Gambhir's first assignment as the head coach after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended and he refused an extension.&nbsp;

Here is all you need to know about India's tour of Sri Lanka, including the full schedule, match dates and timings, venues, India squads and live telecast details -

<h2>INDIA TOUR OF SRI LANKA 2024</h2>

1st T20I: Sri Lanka vs India, July 27 (Saturday)

2nd T20I: Sri Lanka vs India, July 28 (Sunday)

3rd T20I: Sri Lanka vs India, July 30 (Tuesday)

All the T20Is will be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-vs-bangladesh-womens-asia-cup-2024-when-and-where-to-watch-ind-vs-ban-semifinal-match-744343">India vs Bangladesh, Women's Asia Cup 2024: When and where to watch Ind vs Ban semifinal match?</a>

1st ODI: Sri Lanka vs India, Aug 2 (Friday)

2nd ODI: Sri Lanka vs India, Aug 4 (Sunday)

3rd ODI: Sri Lanka vs India, Aug 7 (Wednesday)

All the three ODIs will take place at the&nbsp;R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.&nbsp;

<h2>The live telecast of&nbsp;India vs Sri Lanka T20I, ODI series in India:</h2>

The live telecast of&nbsp;India tour of Sri Lanka will be telecast on the&nbsp;Sony Sports Network&nbsp;in India.

<h2>The&nbsp;live stream of India vs Sri Lanka T20I, ODI series in India:</h2>

The live streaming of the India vs Sri Lanka series will be available on the&nbsp;SonyLIV&nbsp;app and website in India.

India's T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ꮪhubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.

India's ODI squad:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman 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.

India, under new team management led by Gambhir, will be eager to start off on a high. The three T20Is will also be Suryakumar Yadav's first-ever assignment as India's skipper in the shortest format. He pipped Hardik Pandya, who served as Rohit Sharma's deputy in white-ball formats since early 2023, to become the T20I skipper and the dashing batter will like&nbsp;to his full-time captaincy tenure with a series win.&nbsp;

The ODIs will see the return of Rohit and Virat Kohli. The two have a solid record versus the Islanders and, hence, will like to carry on in a similar fashion with one eye already on the next ICC event, i.e. the 2025 Champions Trophy. Hitman will lead the ODI side.&nbsp;

Fresh from their historic T20 World Cup triumph last month, in Barbados, India will be back in action when they commence their tour of Sri Lanka on Saturday (July 27).

Fresh from their historic T20 World Cup triumph last month, in Barbados, India will be back in action when they commence their tour of Sri Lanka on Saturday (July 27). The tour comprises of three T20Is and ODIs each and will see the return of many regulars who missed the five T20Is versus Zimbabwe, in the African nation, shortly after the WC triumph. The tour will also be Gautam Gambhir's first assignment as the head coach after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended and he refused an extension. Here is all you need to know about India's tour of Sri Lanka, including the full schedule, match dates and timings, venues, India squads and live telecast details - INDIA TOUR OF SRI LANKA 2024 1st T20I: Sri Lanka vs India, July 27 (Saturday) 2nd T20I: Sri Lanka vs India, July 28 (Sunday) 3rd T20I: Sri Lanka vs India, July 30 (Tuesday) All the T20Is will be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. Also read: India vs Bangladesh, Women's Asia Cup 2024: When and where to watch Ind vs Ban semifinal match? 1st ODI: Sri Lanka vs India, Aug 2 (Friday) 2nd ODI: Sri Lanka vs India, Aug 4 (Sunday) 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka vs India, Aug 7 (Wednesday) All the three ODIs will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The live telecast of India vs Sri Lanka T20I, ODI series in India: The live telecast of India tour of Sri Lanka will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network in India. The live stream of India vs Sri Lanka T20I, ODI series in India: The live streaming of the India vs Sri Lanka series will be available on the SonyLIV app and website in India. India's T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ꮪhubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj. India's ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman 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. India, under new team management led by Gambhir, will be eager to start off on a high. The three T20Is will also be Suryakumar Yadav's first-ever assignment as India's skipper in the shortest format. He pipped Hardik Pandya, who served as Rohit Sharma's deputy in white-ball formats since early 2023, to become the T20I skipper and the dashing batter will like to his full-time captaincy tenure with a series win. The ODIs will see the return of Rohit and Virat Kohli. The two have a solid record versus the Islanders and, hence, will like to carry on in a similar fashion with one eye already on the next ICC event, i.e. the 2025 Champions Trophy. Hitman will lead the ODI side.

India tour of Sri Lanka: Match dates, venues, timings, teams and all you need to know

Virat Kohli commenced 2023 in style. With India being asked to bat first in the three-match ODI series opener versus Sri Lanka, on Tuesday (January 10), Kohli banked on a great start provided by Rohit Sharma (83) and Shubman Gill (70) to score a magnificent 87-ball 113 and take the home side to a mammoth 373 for 7 in 50 overs. With his 73rd international ton, 45th in the ODI format, Kohli broke a plethora of records and has begun the new calendar year in style as Rohit &amp; Co. have commenced their ODI World Cup preparations.&nbsp;

Ahead of the ODI series opener, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar pinned his hopes on Kohli to return to his 'original heights' in the World Cup year. Speaking to Star Sports, Manjrekar pointed out that Kohli will&nbsp;get back to his best and play to his strengths, by knocking the ball around and rotating the strike, in the 50-over format.

"It's 2023, it's a 50-overs World Cup year. The 50-overs format is brilliant for people who want to get into form. Guys who are short on confidence. It's going to be great for Rohit Sharma. 50-overs cricket is right down his lane, he is already an all-time great. The 50-overs format suits him the most," Manjrekar said. He further asserted, "In 50 overs format, 65 percent of the runs that are scored are in ones and twos, and Virat Kohli loves getting his runs through ones and twos. This will take the pressure off. T20Is, he feels the pressure of going after the bowling. This might just be a brilliant year for Virat Kohli to come back to his original heights."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-way-you-former-indian-speedster-blasts-rahul-dravid-rohit-sharma-for-dropping-ishan-kishan-551059">'No way you...': Former Indian speedster blasts Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma for dropping Ishan Kishan</a>

Manjrekar mentioned that it is not fair to say Kohli underwent a lean patch in ODIs, although he slammed his first ton in the format after 2019 during the third and final tie in Bangladesh, in early December.&nbsp;The former cricketer stated that&nbsp;the former skipper contributed with useful knocks and will be more consistent as the year progresses. "See, he has got those innings. Let's be fair. Even when the hundreds haven't come, he has scored runs, he has been in form. We have said multiple times in the last two years that he has been in form. But, the form doesn't carry on. After a hundred, the next two-three innings are not big scores. That's what we are waiting for. This format will allow him. It will give time for Virat Kohli to be the consistent player that he was known as," he added.

Kohli has surely lived upto Manjrekar's expectations with an impressive knock in the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati on Tuesday. Being asked to bat first, India ended on 373 for 7 and will aim for a big win over the Islanders to go 1-0 up in the series.

Virat Kohli commenced 2023 in style. With India being asked to bat first in the three-match ODI series opener versus Sri Lanka, on Tuesday (January 10), Kohli banked on a great start provided by Rohit Sharma (83) and Shubman Gill (70) to score a magnificent 87-ball 113 and take the home side to a mammoth 373 for 7 in 50 overs.

Virat Kohli commenced 2023 in style. With India being asked to bat first in the three-match ODI series opener versus Sri Lanka, on Tuesday (January 10), Kohli banked on a great start provided by Rohit Sharma (83) and Shubman Gill (70) to score a magnificent 87-ball 113 and take the home side to a mammoth 373 for 7 in 50 overs. With his 73rd international ton, 45th in the ODI format, Kohli broke a plethora of records and has begun the new calendar year in style as Rohit & Co. have commenced their ODI World Cup preparations. Ahead of the ODI series opener, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar pinned his hopes on Kohli to return to his 'original heights' in the World Cup year. Speaking to Star Sports, Manjrekar pointed out that Kohli will get back to his best and play to his strengths, by knocking the ball around and rotating the strike, in the 50-over format. "It's 2023, it's a 50-overs World Cup year. The 50-overs format is brilliant for people who want to get into form. Guys who are short on confidence. It's going to be great for Rohit Sharma. 50-overs cricket is right down his lane, he is already an all-time great. The 50-overs format suits him the most," Manjrekar said. He further asserted, "In 50 overs format, 65 percent of the runs that are scored are in ones and twos, and Virat Kohli loves getting his runs through ones and twos. This will take the pressure off. T20Is, he feels the pressure of going after the bowling. This might just be a brilliant year for Virat Kohli to come back to his original heights." Also read: 'No way you...': Former Indian speedster blasts Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma for dropping Ishan Kishan Manjrekar mentioned that it is not fair to say Kohli underwent a lean patch in ODIs, although he slammed his first ton in the format after 2019 during the third and final tie in Bangladesh, in early December. The former cricketer stated that the former skipper contributed with useful knocks and will be more consistent as the year progresses. "See, he has got those innings. Let's be fair. Even when the hundreds haven't come, he has scored runs, he has been in form. We have said multiple times in the last two years that he has been in form. But, the form doesn't carry on. After a hundred, the next two-three innings are not big scores. That's what we are waiting for. This format will allow him. It will give time for Virat Kohli to be the consistent player that he was known as," he added. Kohli has surely lived upto Manjrekar's expectations with an impressive knock in the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati on Tuesday. Being asked to bat first, India ended on 373 for 7 and will aim for a big win over the Islanders to go 1-0 up in the series.

Virat Kohli might return to his original heights in World Cup year: Sanjay Manjrekar pins hopes on ODI great

India are facing Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 10) in the series opener of the three ODIs. Ahead of the match, fans had assembled in large numbers to see a glimpse of the Indian cricketers at the&nbsp;Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati and a young Assamese fan was in tears seeing his idol Rohit Sharma. Seeing his young fan crying, captain Rohit met him and his adorable gesture for the young kid has now gone viral.&nbsp;

After attending the pre-match presser, Rohit stepped out to meet his fans and spotted a young boy in tears after seeing him. Rohit straightaway went to him and interacted with the boy who was emotional seeing Hitman. “Rone ka kya baat hai, chota bacha hai tu (Why are you crying, you are just a little boy)," said Rohit. He then&nbsp;pulled the cheeks of the young kid and said, "Itne mote mote gaal hai tere (You have such fat cheeks)." Here's the video of the interaction:

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Cricketer Rohit Sharma interacting with an young cricket fan from Assam in Guwahati. 
 
Adorable Moments!<a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> <a href="https://t.co/Nyzc4D9fHg">pic.twitter.com/Nyzc4D9fHg</a>
— Pramod Boro (@PramodBoroBTR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PramodBoroBTR/status/1612452149878980608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/end-of-the-road-bcci-to-ask-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-to-rethink-their-t20i-future-report-550938">End of the road? BCCI to ask Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to rethink their T20I future - Report</a>

Speaking in the press conference prior to the SL ODIs, Rohit made it clear that he isn't giving up on any format just yet and doesn't want to retire from T20Is. "Firstly, it is not possible to play back-to-back matches. You need to give them (all format players) enough break. I definitely fall in that as well. We have three T20Is against New Zealand. We will see what happens after IPL. I have not decided to give up the format," Rohit said.

India have kicked off their preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup, on home soil, with their first 50-over assignment versus Sri Lanka on Tuesday. At the coin toss, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka opted to bowl first.&nbsp;

Playing XIs for first ODI:

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Umran Malik, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

India are facing Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 10) in the series opener of the three ODIs. Ahead of the match, fans had assembled in large numbers to see a glimpse of the Indian cricketers at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati and a young Assamese fan was in tears seeing his idol Rohit Sharma.

India are facing Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 10) in the series opener of the three ODIs. Ahead of the match, fans had assembled in large numbers to see a glimpse of the Indian cricketers at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati and a young Assamese fan was in tears seeing his idol Rohit Sharma. Seeing his young fan crying, captain Rohit met him and his adorable gesture for the young kid has now gone viral. After attending the pre-match presser, Rohit stepped out to meet his fans and spotted a young boy in tears after seeing him. Rohit straightaway went to him and interacted with the boy who was emotional seeing Hitman. “Rone ka kya baat hai, chota bacha hai tu (Why are you crying, you are just a little boy)," said Rohit. He then pulled the cheeks of the young kid and said, "Itne mote mote gaal hai tere (You have such fat cheeks)." Here's the video of the interaction: Cricketer Rohit Sharma interacting with an young cricket fan from Assam in Guwahati. Adorable Moments!@ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/Nyzc4D9fHg — Pramod Boro (@PramodBoroBTR) January 9, 2023 × Also read: End of the road? BCCI to ask Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to rethink their T20I future - Report Speaking in the press conference prior to the SL ODIs, Rohit made it clear that he isn't giving up on any format just yet and doesn't want to retire from T20Is. "Firstly, it is not possible to play back-to-back matches. You need to give them (all format players) enough break. I definitely fall in that as well. We have three T20Is against New Zealand. We will see what happens after IPL. I have not decided to give up the format," Rohit said. India have kicked off their preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup, on home soil, with their first 50-over assignment versus Sri Lanka on Tuesday. At the coin toss, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka opted to bowl first. Playing XIs for first ODI: Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Umran Malik, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral  - WATCH

India will kick off their ODI World Cup preparations, to be held later this year in India, with the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka. The series gets underway on Tuesday (January 10) with the first ODI set to be held at the&nbsp;Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. With the commencement of the series, India will see the return of their big players such as regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul whereas Hardik Pandya, who captained in the SL T20Is, will also be playing his first T20I after July 2022.&nbsp;

Ahead of the series opener, King Kohli will aim to match Sachin Tendulkar's elite feat.&nbsp;Master Blaster had a stellar international career and ended with several records. The legendary cricketer holds the record for most ODI hundreds at home, with 20 in 164 matches. Kohli, on the other hand, follows suit in the list with 19 tons in just 101 matches. However, his last home triple-figure knock in the format&nbsp;came in March 2019 against Australia. Kohli, who scored a century the last time he played an ODI for India (in the Bangladesh series in December 2022), will equal Tendulkar with most ODI hundreds on home soil if he touches the 100-run mark in the SL series opener.

MOST ODI HUNDREDS AT HOME

Sachin Tendulkar - 20 in 164 ODIs

Virat Kohli - 19 in 101 ODIs

Hashim Amla - 14 in 69 ODIs

Ricky Ponting - 13 in 153 ODIs

Ross Taylor - 12 in 110 ODIs

Also read:&nbsp;The new Universe Boss is Suryakumar Yadav: Former Pakistan spinner hails Indian star batter after SL T20Is

Kohli is also level with Tendulkar for most hundreds scored in ODIs against Sri Lanka. The former captain has amassed 2,220 runs against the 1996 champions at&nbsp;60 with 8 centuries. Meanwhile, Tendulkar also has an equal number of hundreds but&nbsp;sits atop with&nbsp;the most runs in ODIs between the two Asian giants (3,113 runs in 84 matches).

MOST HUNDREDS IN INDIA vs SRI LANKA ODIs,

Virat Kohli - 8 in 47 matches 
Sachin Tendulkar - 8 in 84 matches 
Sanath Jayasuriya - 7 in 89 matches 
Gautam Gambhir - 6 in 37 matches 
Rohit Sharma - 6 in 46 matches 
Kumar Sangakkara - 6 in 76 matches

If Kohli gets going in the IND-SL series and piles heaps of runs, he will also break into the top 5 of all-time run-scorers list in his preferred format; i.e. the ODIs.&nbsp;

MOST RUNS IN ODIs - ALL-TIME LIST

Sachin Tendulkar - 18426 runs in 463 ODIs 
Kumar Sangakkara - 14234 runs in 404 ODIs 
Ricky Ponting - 13704 runs in 375 ODIs 
Sanath Jayasuriya - 134300 runs in 445 ODIs 
Mahela Jaywardene - 12650 runs in 448 ODIs 
Virat Kohli - 12471 runs in 265 ODIs

Kohli wasn't part of the India-SL T20Is and, hence, will start afresh when both sides will lock horns in the ODI series opener on Tuesday afternoon.

India will kick off their ODI World Cup preparations, to be held later this year in India, with the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka. The series gets underway on Tuesday (January 10) with the first ODI set to be held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

India will kick off their ODI World Cup preparations, to be held later this year in India, with the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka. The series gets underway on Tuesday (January 10) with the first ODI set to be held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. With the commencement of the series, India will see the return of their big players such as regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul whereas Hardik Pandya, who captained in the SL T20Is, will also be playing his first T20I after July 2022. Ahead of the series opener, King Kohli will aim to match Sachin Tendulkar's elite feat. Master Blaster had a stellar international career and ended with several records. The legendary cricketer holds the record for most ODI hundreds at home, with 20 in 164 matches. Kohli, on the other hand, follows suit in the list with 19 tons in just 101 matches. However, his last home triple-figure knock in the format came in March 2019 against Australia. Kohli, who scored a century the last time he played an ODI for India (in the Bangladesh series in December 2022), will equal Tendulkar with most ODI hundreds on home soil if he touches the 100-run mark in the SL series opener. MOST ODI HUNDREDS AT HOME Sachin Tendulkar - 20 in 164 ODIs Virat Kohli - 19 in 101 ODIs Hashim Amla - 14 in 69 ODIs Ricky Ponting - 13 in 153 ODIs Ross Taylor - 12 in 110 ODIs Also read: The new Universe Boss is Suryakumar Yadav: Former Pakistan spinner hails Indian star batter after SL T20Is Kohli is also level with Tendulkar for most hundreds scored in ODIs against Sri Lanka. The former captain has amassed 2,220 runs against the 1996 champions at 60 with 8 centuries. Meanwhile, Tendulkar also has an equal number of hundreds but sits atop with the most runs in ODIs between the two Asian giants (3,113 runs in 84 matches). MOST HUNDREDS IN INDIA vs SRI LANKA ODIs, Virat Kohli - 8 in 47 matches Sachin Tendulkar - 8 in 84 matches Sanath Jayasuriya - 7 in 89 matches Gautam Gambhir - 6 in 37 matches Rohit Sharma - 6 in 46 matches Kumar Sangakkara - 6 in 76 matches If Kohli gets going in the IND-SL series and piles heaps of runs, he will also break into the top 5 of all-time run-scorers list in his preferred format; i.e. the ODIs. MOST RUNS IN ODIs - ALL-TIME LIST Sachin Tendulkar - 18426 runs in 463 ODIs Kumar Sangakkara - 14234 runs in 404 ODIs Ricky Ponting - 13704 runs in 375 ODIs Sanath Jayasuriya - 134300 runs in 445 ODIs Mahela Jaywardene - 12650 runs in 448 ODIs Virat Kohli - 12471 runs in 265 ODIs Kohli wasn't part of the India-SL T20Is and, hence, will start afresh when both sides will lock horns in the ODI series opener on Tuesday afternoon.

IND vs SL, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli eyes Sachin Tendulkar's elite feat in series opener in Guwahati

On Tuesday (December 27), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's T20I and ODI squad for their upcoming home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on January 3. While some big names weren't part of the Hardik Pandya-led T20I squad, the ODI line-up&nbsp;feature&nbsp;Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and the likes with no mention of Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant (due to a niggle on his knee) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Moreover, all-rounder Hardik was also promoted as the ODI vice-captain despite&nbsp;Rahul's presence. Ever since Rohit took over, Rahul has been his deputy across formats but a string of low scores and Hardik's rise as a leader has resulted in the former losing out on his vice-captaincy post. In the Bangladesh Tests, Rahul had scores of&nbsp;22, 23, 10, and 2. Even in the ODIs, he scored a majestic 73&nbsp;in the series opener before not doing anything significant (scoring 14 and 8&nbsp;respectively) in the last two games. Thus, he knows he has to remain consistent or&nbsp;will lose his ODI spot as well in a World Cup year, with the mega event to be held later in 2023 in India.

Ahead of the SL ODIs, which commences on January 10, former Indian opener and Rahul's IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) mentor Gautam Gambhir shared his take on the right-hander's form. "You can only control what you can control. You can't control selectors, you can't control what's going to happen in the next series. You got three ODIs against Sri Lanka. If you play that, just be in the present. That's all you can control. The moment you start to think about uncontrollable things, you're putting undue pressure on yourself,” Gambhir said in&nbsp;Star Sports' A Chat with Champions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-couldnt-digest-how-pakistan-former-pcb-chief-ramiz-raja-once-again-takes-a-dig-at-india-547634">'They couldn't digest how Pakistan....': Former PCB chief Ramiz Raja again takes a dig at India</a>

Gambhir, the T20 and ODI World Cup medallist, further added, "If you don't perform, someone else will take your position. That's not only with Sanju or KL, it's with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as well. If they don't perform, you will start questioning about their positions too. That's what international cricket is about. No one is indispensable. So you got three ODIs, you bat in the middle-order, try and get those runs, because ultimately it's the performance that keeps you in the side. Not the name, not your talent."

India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.

India’s squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.

On Tuesday (December 27), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's T20I and ODI squad for their upcoming home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on January 3.

On Tuesday (December 27), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's T20I and ODI squad for their upcoming home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on January 3. While some big names weren't part of the Hardik Pandya-led T20I squad, the ODI line-up feature Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and the likes with no mention of Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant (due to a niggle on his knee) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Moreover, all-rounder Hardik was also promoted as the ODI vice-captain despite Rahul's presence. Ever since Rohit took over, Rahul has been his deputy across formats but a string of low scores and Hardik's rise as a leader has resulted in the former losing out on his vice-captaincy post. In the Bangladesh Tests, Rahul had scores of 22, 23, 10, and 2. Even in the ODIs, he scored a majestic 73 in the series opener before not doing anything significant (scoring 14 and 8 respectively) in the last two games. Thus, he knows he has to remain consistent or will lose his ODI spot as well in a World Cup year, with the mega event to be held later in 2023 in India. Ahead of the SL ODIs, which commences on January 10, former Indian opener and Rahul's IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) mentor Gautam Gambhir shared his take on the right-hander's form. "You can only control what you can control. You can't control selectors, you can't control what's going to happen in the next series. You got three ODIs against Sri Lanka. If you play that, just be in the present. That's all you can control. The moment you start to think about uncontrollable things, you're putting undue pressure on yourself,” Gambhir said in Star Sports' A Chat with Champions. Also read: 'They couldn't digest how Pakistan....': Former PCB chief Ramiz Raja again takes a dig at India Gambhir, the T20 and ODI World Cup medallist, further added, "If you don't perform, someone else will take your position. That's not only with Sanju or KL, it's with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as well. If they don't perform, you will start questioning about their positions too. That's what international cricket is about. No one is indispensable. So you got three ODIs, you bat in the middle-order, try and get those runs, because ultimately it's the performance that keeps you in the side. Not the name, not your talent." India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar. India’s squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.

'The moment you start...' - Gautam Gambhir shares his take on KL Rahul's struggles ahead of SL ODIs

For the first time in 41 years, five players made their debuts for team India during the third ODI match against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday (July 23). Nitish Rana, Sanju Samson, Krishnappa Gowtham, Chetan Sakariya, and Rahul Chahar made their maiden appearances in an ODI game. India lost the last match but won the three-game series 2-1.&nbsp;

It is worth noting that Sanju Samson and Rahul Chahar have had the experience of international cricket as both of them have featured in T20Is for team India. Samson has played seven games and Chahar appeared in three matches.&nbsp;

As team India handed five debuts, they equalled their own record for the most number of debuts in a single match. Previously, it happened in 1980 against Australia at the MCG when Dilip Doshi, Kirti Azad, Roger Binny, Sandeep Patil and Tirumalai Srinivasan had made their debuts for team India.&nbsp;

In the match, Sri Lanka registered a three-wicket win over India as Avishka Fernando, who won Player of the Match award, scored his second consecutive half-century of the series. Bhanuka Rajapaksa registered his maiden ODI fifty as Sri Lanka completed their chase of 227 runs. Shikhar Dhawan-led team India eyed a 3-0 series win, having won the previous two matches, however, Sri Lanka outplayed the visitors as team India collapsed after the rain break.&nbsp;

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🎥 🎥: That moment when the 5⃣ ODI debutants received their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> cap!👏 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvIND</a><a href="https://twitter.com/IamSanjuSamson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IamSanjuSamson</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishRana_27?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NitishRana_27</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/rdchahar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rdchahar1</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Sakariya55?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sakariya55</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/gowthamyadav88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gowthamyadav88</a> <a href="https://t.co/1GXkO13x5N">pic.twitter.com/1GXkO13x5N</a>
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Say Hello 👋🏻 to our 5 ODI debutants <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvIND</a> 
 
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After the match, Dhawan said, "Things didn't go our way after rain break. We had a good start but lost too many wickets in the middle. Think we were 50 runs short." He added, "I am glad that they made their debut because everyone has been in the quarantine for a long time."

For the first time in 41 years, five players made their debuts for team India during the third ODI match against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday (July 23). Nitish Rana, Sanju Samson, Krishnappa Gowtham, Chetan Sakariya, and Rahul Chahar made their maiden appearances in an ODI game.

For the first time in 41 years, five players made their debuts for team India during the third ODI match against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday (July 23). Nitish Rana, Sanju Samson, Krishnappa Gowtham, Chetan Sakariya, and Rahul Chahar made their maiden appearances in an ODI game. India lost the last match but won the three-game series 2-1. It is worth noting that Sanju Samson and Rahul Chahar have had the experience of international cricket as both of them have featured in T20Is for team India. Samson has played seven games and Chahar appeared in three matches. As team India handed five debuts, they equalled their own record for the most number of debuts in a single match. Previously, it happened in 1980 against Australia at the MCG when Dilip Doshi, Kirti Azad, Roger Binny, Sandeep Patil and Tirumalai Srinivasan had made their debuts for team India. In the match, Sri Lanka registered a three-wicket win over India as Avishka Fernando, who won Player of the Match award, scored his second consecutive half-century of the series. Bhanuka Rajapaksa registered his maiden ODI fifty as Sri Lanka completed their chase of 227 runs. Shikhar Dhawan-led team India eyed a 3-0 series win, having won the previous two matches, however, Sri Lanka outplayed the visitors as team India collapsed after the rain break. 🎥 🎥: That moment when the 5⃣ ODI debutants received their #TeamIndia cap!👏 👏 #SLvIND@IamSanjuSamson | @NitishRana_27 | @rdchahar1 | @Sakariya55 | @gowthamyadav88 pic.twitter.com/1GXkO13x5N — BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2021 × Say Hello 👋🏻 to our 5 ODI debutants #TeamIndia #SLvIND Congratulations boys 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/ouKYrtrW8G — BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2021 × After the match, Dhawan said, "Things didn't go our way after rain break. We had a good start but lost too many wickets in the middle. Think we were 50 runs short." He added, "I am glad that they made their debut because everyone has been in the quarantine for a long time."

India vs Sri Lanka: For the first time in 41 years, 5 Indian players make ODI debut in single match