In a collection that will likely be etched within the annals of Indian cricket historical past for all of the fallacious causes, Sri Lanka accomplished a humiliating 3-0 whitewash over the Males in Blue.
India endure humiliating whitewash
The island nation inflicted their first bilateral ODI collection defeat on India in 27 years, a statistic that underlines the abject nature of India’s efficiency.
The ultimate nail within the coffin was hammered in on Tuesday, as India have been bowled out for a paltry 138 within the third ODI, succumbing to a 110-run defeat. The goal was by no means going to be difficult, however the method during which the Indian batting collapsed was a testomony to the gulf in high quality between the 2 sides.
Virat Kohli’s pleasant gesture of sportsmanship
Amidst the ruins of India’s marketing campaign, one shining second emerged. Virat Kohli, the Indian batting stalwart, displayed exemplary sportsmanship by gifting him a signed jersey to Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis after the match. The gesture was a recognition of Mendis’ excellent efficiency within the collection, the place he was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s victories.
Mendis, who had been a thorn in India’s aspect all through the collection, was visibly touched by Kohli’s gesture. The alternate was captured on digital camera and shortly went viral on social media, incomes reward from followers and specialists alike. Kohli’s act of grace was a stark distinction to the abject efficiency of his workforce, and it served as a reminder of the true spirit of the sport.
Right here’s the video:
Kusal Mendis took Virat Kohli’s autograph on the jersey. 🐐🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/o8jq0VwLmY
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 8, 2024
Additionally READ: Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene reacts to Sri Lanka’s historic ODI collection win over India
India’s batting woes proceed
India’s batting has been a serious trigger for concern in latest occasions, and the Sri Lanka collection solely served to spotlight the workforce’s fragility. The highest order, which is often the spine of the Indian batting, did not ship persistently. Rohit Sharma, Virat, and Shreyas Iyer, all skilled campaigners, appeared out of types.
The center order too was discovered wanting. Rishabh Pant, who has been in wonderful type within the IPL, struggled to search out his rhythm. The likes of Washington Sundar and Axar Patel, who’ve proven glimpses of their batting prowess, have been unable to contribute considerably.
Sri Lanka’s bowling assault shines
Sri Lanka’s bowling assault was the star of the present. Jeffrey Vandersay, a leg spinner, and Dunith Wellalage, a younger left-arm spinner, have been the standout performers, collectively selecting up 15 wickets within the collection. Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando additionally chipped in with essential contributions. The Sri Lankan bowlers have been disciplined, correct, and various their tempo and size successfully, making life troublesome for the Indian batters.
Street forward for India
The whitewash in opposition to Sri Lanka is a large setback for Indian cricket. The workforce administration must introspect and make the required modifications to deal with the problems. Constructing a robust batting lineup needs to be the highest precedence. The workforce may also want to search out the proper steadiness between expertise and youth.
The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is an important match for India, and the workforce will likely be beneath immense strain to carry out. The whitewash in opposition to Sri Lanka has uncovered the workforce’s vulnerabilities, and it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how the workforce responds to the problem.
Additionally READ: Offended followers roast India head coach Gautam Gambhir after ODI collection defeat in opposition to Sri Lanka
