In their first 50-over match of 2023, Team India defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the most recent three-match ODI series.
After victories in Guwahati and Kolkata, the Men in Blue won the dead rubber in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, January 15, by a record 317 runs. The Men in Blue won their 10th consecutive ODI bilateral series against the Islanders in the process.
The hosts, who were the dominant force in every match, won the first one-day international by 67 runs thanks to a competent team performance. The team led by Rohit Sharma worked hard to reach 216 in the subsequent match at Eden Gardens, but they ultimately prevailed by four wickets.
Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj excelled for India in the third and final One-Day International at the Greenfield Stadium, resulting in their team’s largest-ever run margin of victory.
In light of this, we examine three lessons learned by India from their recent home three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
#3 Shubman gill makes his opportunity
In 2022, Gill consistently performed, and the youngster repaid Rohit’s faith in him tremendously well. With his exquisite drives and flicks, the Punjabi youngster gave India quick starts in all three One-Day Internationals.
He also looked set for big scores in each game. In Guwahati, Gill started the series with a well-made 60-ball 70. Even though the right-hander was unable to break the three-figure mark, he worked extremely well with Rohit as his opening partner.
The 23-year-old capped off the series with his elusive maiden ODI century on home soil, despite missing out on his quick start of 21 from 12 balls in Kolkata. In the third ODI on Sunday, he hit 97 balls and scored 116 runs.
Gill finished the series as the second-highest run-getter overall, scoring 207 runs at an excellent strike rate of 122.5 and an average of 69.00. In the most recent series, the right-handed pitcher made every effort to seize his opportunity.
Kishan will likely have to wait a little bit longer for his next opportunity in the 50-over format, which is unfortunate for him. However, in the upcoming series against New Zealand, the left-hander might see some action.
India will have two good opening options to deploy alongside Rohit Sharma if he performs well once more.
#2 Who is currently the best ODI new-ball bowler, Mohammed Siraj?
It has been encouraging to observe Mohammed Siraj’s rise in international cricket since last year. The Hyderabadi speedster has improved significantly, particularly in the 50-over format, and is now a crucial component of the Indian starting XI.
Since 2022, the 28-year-old has been in the mandatory power play for 23 ODI matches. This is the most by any format bowler in that time period, more than twice as many as Trent Boult, who has 10 wickets to his name and is second on the list.
Throughout the three ODIs, Siraj was deadly and rendered the Sri Lankan batsmen helpless. He took the most wickets in the series, taking nine at an excellent average of just over 10. In the series, the pacer took a wicket for every 15.1 balls he bowled, demonstrating his threat and effectiveness.
Siraj may very well be the best ODI new-ball bowler based on his current form, given his rhythm and the returns he has been producing.
#1 A classic Virat Kohli begins the World Cup year with ease
The most important takeaway for India from the most recent ODI series was undoubtedly the return of Virat Kohli ruling the roost and appearing in supreme touch.
Even though Kohli scored a century in India’s final one-day international match of 2022 against Bangladesh, it was not convincing. He missed a few chances early on and then took advantage of the mistakes made by the opposition.
Throughout the series against Sri Lanka, Kohli demonstrated his status as arguably the best batsman of his generation with a stunning batting performance.
In the first ODI, Kohli had some luck on his side. However, in Thiruvananthapuram, he displayed a “video game” innings in reference to Suryakumar Yadav’s recent T20I heroics.
He upped the ante and made some jaw-dropping strokes to end the Indian innings with a bang after scoring his 46th ODI century in 85 balls. The right-hander struck out 264.00 times and scored his next 66 runs in just 25 balls.
During his unbeaten stay on Sunday, Kohli hit 13 boundaries and as many as eight sixes. The 34-year-old’s outstanding bat performance earned him the title of Player of the Series, which came as no surprise.
The new purple patch Kohli has hit this month will be thoroughly enjoyed by Team India ahead of this year’s ODI World Cup. They’ll be hoping he can maintain it during their upcoming games.