After winning the Test series by 1-0 against Sri Lanka, the Indian Cricket Team is all set to play the last bilateral ODI series of this year. The first match is scheduled to be held on December 10 in Dharamsala which will also mark the international captaincy debut for Rohit Sharma. Under a new leader, the men in blue have a great opportunity to end the year as the No.1 ODI team in the ICC rankings.
Currently, Team India is at the 2nd position while South Africa holds the top spot. Both the teams have same points – 120, but the Proteas lead by decimal points. If India wins the first ODI Dharamsala, they will dethrone South Africa from the numero uno position. But to sustain that glory till the year-end, they need to whitewash Lanka yet again.
The last time when India toured Sri Lanka, the home team was brutally whitewashed by the visitors. India won the series 5-0 creating a trouble for the Lankans to get qualified directly for the 2019 World Cup. Now in the absence of Virat Kohli, if the Indian team repeats the same performance, they will rule the ranging table.
Keeping India’s forthcoming tour to South Africa in mind, the BCCI has given rest to Kohli. He will also the 3-match T20I series followed by the ODIs. It will be a huge responsibility on Rohit Sharma’s shoulders to lead the team when they are on the verge of becoming the number 1 team.
On the other side, Sri Lanka has boosted up their ODI squad to seek revenge of their previous series loss. The inclusion of Asela Gunaratne and Danushka Gunathilaka is expected to create a difference for the visitors. Test skipper Dinesh Chandimal has been dropped from ODI squad. In his absence, Thisara Perera will be leading the team in all the three matches.
