IND vs SL: Fans were treated to a thrilling contest on Friday when India and Sri Lanka locked horns in the first game of the three-mach series in Colombo. The game ended in a tie as both teams managed 231 runs in their innings. Sri Lanka managed 231/8 in the first inning, which looked like an easy chase.
India started in grand fashion, and Rohit Sharma slammed his 56th ODI fifty. But as he got out, India couldn’t manage a big partnership. In the end, India needed one run to win with two wickets in hand. But Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka bowled well.
He dismissed Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh to help the hosts tie the game. It was an unexpected result because India were crushing in the first ten overs. But it has certainly made India think and do well in second IND vs SL ODI, which will be played on Sunday.
IND vs SL: 3 Changes India should do to win the Second ODI in Colombo
1. Bring in Riyan Parag in Dube out
India used Riyan Parag to full effect in the IND vs SL T20 series. He bowled four overs in almost all three games and was very effective. He adds value with the ball, but his primary skill is with the bat. That’s where India can get another spin option. As seen in the first game, the pitch is expected to be spin-friendly; that’s where India might need more spin options. Parag can bowl 4-5 overs and can replace Shivam Dube in the team. He can be a good replacement for Dube with bat and ball both.
2. Try Axar Patel at no. 4
India tried Washington Sundar at no. 4 in the first IND vs SL ODI, but it didn’t work. Sundar has still a lot to prove with the bat in white-ball cricket. That’s where India can use Axar Patel. He batted up the order in a few games during the T20 World Cup and batted well. He is a more recognised batter who can play spin better. This will also add a left-hander in the top six because all the current top five batters are right-handers.
3. Bring in Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant has been playing his own brand of cricket, which has worked on tough pitches. He played well in the USA leg of the T20 World Cup, where the pitches were hard. He can target the Sri Lankan bowlers and can be a good batting option at the top. India can bring him in and make him bat at no. 4 to give right-hand and left-hand options in the middle. Because Sri Lanka have two good leg-spinners in Hasaranga and Wellalage, and that’s where Pant can target them. He can replace Dube or even Sunder because Parag can also bowl spin.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma registers a historic feat with his blistering 58 in 1st ODI vs SL
