SL vs IND, 3rd ODI: Indian Batsmen Must Adapt to Spin Challenge in Series Decider

The pressure is mounting on Indian batters, especially Virat Kohli, to follow the lead of skipper Rohit Sharma and adeptly handle the spin threat in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. This match is crucial for India to avoid their first series defeat to Sri Lanka in 27 years.

Gautam Gambhir, making his debut as head coach, certainly did not anticipate such a challenging start. India last lost a bilateral ODI series to Sri Lanka in 1997 when Arjuna Ranatunga’s team secured a 3-0 victory over Sachin Tendulkar’s side. Since then, India has won all 11 bilateral ODI series against the Islanders.

However, the current three-match series has slipped away, with India losing the second ODI by 32 runs after a tie in the first game. The Indian batting line-up has struggled against spin on a turning Colombo pitch, displaying a lack of decisiveness.

Virat Kohli’s performance has been particularly concerning, scoring only 38 runs in two matches. His dismissals against leg-spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay have highlighted his vulnerability. Kohli, once dominant at this venue with four centuries, needs to rediscover his form to boost India’s middle-order stability.

The entire Indian batting unit has been gripped by inconsistency. Shivam Dube, known for his prowess against spin, failed to read a simple leg-break from Vandersay. Similarly, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, both capable players of spin, have been unable to rotate strike effectively.

Rohit Sharma’s exemplary batting has been a silver lining. His 44-ball 64 in the second ODI demonstrated calculated risk-taking and confidence, which his teammates must emulate.

Additionally, Indian bowlers must step up, especially in the latter stages of the innings. They failed to capitalise on strong positions, allowing Sri Lanka to recover from precarious situations in both matches.