India vs Sri Lanka: ODI Series Overview

Sri Lanka defeated India in an ODI bilateral series for the first time in 27 years, their last victory dating back to 1997. This recent win came after they defeated the Men in Blue in the final game of a 3-match ODI series. India's back-to-back defeats against Sri Lanka have raised concerns ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2025. Despite entering the series as the reigning World Champions after their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, India failed to win a single match,  due to poor performances by their middle-order batters, who struggled throughout the series. Apart from captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, none of the other batsmen looked solid against the Lankan spinners.

India vs Sri Lanka: 1st ODI

The first match of the series was played at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India came into the series on a high after winning a 3-match T20I series, carrying their World Cup form. However, in the first ODI, the match ended in a tie after India failed to secure an easy win, requiring only 5 runs off 18 balls with 2 wickets in hand. Despite the absence of key players like Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madhushanka due to injuries, the Lankan team performed brilliantly to tie the game.

India struggled against the spinners despite a good start by openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who added 75 runs for the first wicket. However, they lost consecutive wickets in quick succession, managing just 57 runs between them.

India vs Sri Lanka: 2nd ODI

In the second ODI, Sri Lanka suffered another setback as their star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury. Jeffrey Vandersay, who made his international debut in this match, was brought in as his replacement.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first, managing to score 240 runs in their 50 overs, thanks to a crucial 72-run partnership for the 8th wicket after half of their team was dismissed for just 136 runs. India's defeat was attributed to the middle-order collapse and average bowling by the fast bowlers during the death overs, allowing Sri Lanka to set a competitive target of 240 runs.

Despite another strong start by the openers, India's middle-order failed to capitalize, losing 5 wickets for just 36 runs. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar tried to made a comeback but fell short, as India was bowled out for 208, losing the match by 32 runs. Sri Lanka’s debutant Vandersay bowled a match-winning spell, picking up 6 wickets for just 33 runs in his 10 overs, while captain Charith Asalanka took 3 wickets.

India vs Sri Lanka: 3rd ODI

Leading the series 1-0, Sri Lanka entered the final game with one change in their playing XI, replacing Akila Dananjaya with Mahesh Theekshana, who remained wicketless in the match.

Sri Lanka batted first, scoring 248 runs in their 50 overs, thanks to an 89-run opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, who scored 45 and 96 runs, respectively. After the fall of the first wicket, Kamindu Mendis and Fernando added 82 runs for the second wicket. Although India managed to take wickets at regular intervals, Mendis anchored the innings, helping Sri Lanka reach a total of 248 runs.

In response, apart from Rohit Sharma, no other Indian batter looked confident against the spinners who were getting a lot of assistance from the pitch, leading to India’s heavy defeat by a margin of 110 runs.