SL vs IND: Riyan Parag Shines With The Ball On ODI Debut
07th August, 2024, is surely a day Riyan Parag will remember for ages. And it’s not only for his ODI debut for the Indian Cricket Team against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo but also for the three wickets he took in the eight overs he bowled. Skipper Shows Faith Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma soon handed over the ball to Riyan Parag. And he lived up to the skipper’s expectations. Parag, the 256th player to represent India in ODI’s spun a web and trapped Avishka Fernando (96 off 102), Charith Asalanka (10 off 12) and Dunith Wellalage (2 off 3). Parag’s First ODI Wicket Avishka Fernando was thoroughly overdue a deserved hundred, on 96 from 102 balls, 9 fours and 2 sixes, but then stepped Riyan Parag and everything had to change: he dismissed Fernando when he was only 4 runs from the magic figure—breaking an important partnership in the process. Parag Traps The Opposition Captain Parag wasn’t done yet. The very next over, he trapped the Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka leg-before-wicket. After a bit of consultation with Kusal Mendis, Asalanka decided to review the decision. UltraEdge confirmed there was no bat involved, while HawkEye lights showed three reds, thus sealing Asalanka’s fate on 10 runs off 12 balls. A 3 Wicket Haul On Debut Next in to bat was Dunith Wellalage, who was in dangerous form in the previous couple of games. However, Parag was unstoppable, clean bowling Wellalage with just 2 runs off 3 balls. Riyan Parag, who usually plays as a batting all-rounder has not only delivered with the ball in the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka but also was one of the key members in the bowling unit while undoing the Sri Lankan batters in the recent T20I series. Well if Parag keeps on delivering the goods with the ball, it wouldn’t be surprising to call it a ‘Reverse Steve Smith Phenomenon.’ The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: Head to Head In ODI’s
The ODI series will see India and Sri Lanka moving to Colombo right after the series conclusion of the T20I series. In the IND vs SL ODI series, there are three matches scheduled for the series, out of which the first one is on Friday, August 2, 2024. The return of captain Rohit Sharma, who comes back into the team following Suryakumar Yadav‘s captaincy in the T20I series, will certainly boost India. Indeed, Sharma is the captain of the team in both ODIs and Tests. It will be the same case for Sri Lanka, who will retain Charith Asalanka as their skipper for the ODI series. Though he was not able to handle his team as expected in the T20I series with an end result of 3-0. Ahead of the IND vs SL 1st ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium, here are the complete head-to-head records between India and Sri Lanka in One Day Internationals. Check out more insights from the ODI leg of India’s tour of Sri Lanka here. Head-To-Head India has played 168 ODI matches against Sri Lanka. Out of these, India has won 99, while Sri Lanka has won 57 games. Besides, 11 matches ended without a result, and 1 match ended in a tie. INDIA vs SRI LANKA HEAD-TO-HEAD IN ODI’s CATEGORY INDIA SRI LANKA Matches Played 168 168 Matches Won 99 57 Matches Lost 57 99 No Result 11 11 Tied 1 1 Home Wins 40 28 Away Wins 32 12 Neutral Venue Wins 27 17 Head-to-Head: Recent 5 Encounters Of the last five ODI outings between these two teams, all have been won by India. However, the home series in July 2021 did see Sri Lanka win one ODI game out of the three. Of these five matches, three have been hosted in India and two in Sri Lanka. India will eye to add one more series win against their name while Sri Lanka will be playing for their pride after a 3-0 loss in theT20I series. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: ODI Series Kicks Off in Colombo
The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka gets underway on Friday, 2ns August, 2024 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Big Names Return for India Bolstered by the return of senior players, including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian Cricket Team is looking to keep the winning momentum going. Unlike the T20 format, India has an extremely solid core for the 50-over game; this series will go a long way in cementing places within the team and grooming future talent. Squad Focus and Strategy With only six ODIs to be played before the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, the upcoming series becomes very important for the new coach and captain to stamp their strategy. The third pacer to complement Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj features at the top of the list of areas to focus on. On the other hand, Mohammed Shami, an exceptional performer in the World Cup last year, will be tried alongside new talent like Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and IPL sensation Harshit Rana. The blinding six-wicket haul was by Siraj at this very venue during the Asia Cup, so he will spearhead the pace attack. Wicketkeeper Dilemma Another call pending for the Indian team is at the wicketkeeper’s position. K.L. Rahul has been effective both as a batsman and ‘keeper, but with Rishabh Pant back in the ODI set-up, the team has a strategic call to make. Pant would provide an extra left-hand option in batting, but may restrict India to five bowlers. Sri Lanka’s Injury Woes It’s an injurious start to the series for Sri Lanka, with key pacers Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana out of action. Clearly a case of improvements needed, their struggles in the T20 series were marked by middle-order collapses. A second-string pace attack makes Sri Lanka heavily dependent on their spinners to test India’s strong batting line-up. The team is keen to end a ten-match losing streak against India and provide a boost for their fans. INDIA Rohit Sharma (Capt.), Ꮪhubman Gill, Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana. SRI LANKA Charith Asalanka (Capt.), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga. Match Details The first ODI will start at 14:30 IST and both the teams will be looking to start the series on a winning note. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Sanju Samson Caught Between Opportunities and Expectations?
Another opportunity, same old result. That’s how someone can probably describe Sanju Samson’s cricketing stint so far in the Indian jersey. Sanju Samson’s journey in T20I internationals has become a tale of missed opportunities and mounting pressure. Despite the fervent support from his fans and his long-standing presence in the Indian cricket circuit, Samson’s recent performances have left much to be desired. The stark reality of his recent innings—a golden duck followed by another zero in just four balls—has only intensified the debate about his place in the squad. A Decade In Indian Cricket Having been part of the Indian Cricket Team for nearly a decade, one would expect Samson to have made a more significant impact. Unfortunately, the numbers haven’t been kind to him. His struggle to secure a consistent spot in the playing XI is evident, with limited chances to prove his mettle. While he was benched throughout the T20 World Cup, the team’s success with Rishabh Pant in the XI did little to alleviate the mounting pressure on Samson. Misfiring With The Bat In the latest T20I series against Sri Lanka, Samson’s appearances have been underwhelming. He was dismissed for a duck in his second T20I and failed to make an impression in his subsequent opportunity. These setbacks have not only been disappointing for his fans but also challenging for Samson, who faces an uphill battle to secure his place in the team. Contrasting Fortunes In IPL Interestingly, Samson’s fortunes appear to be more favorable in the IPL. Leading the Rajasthan Royals, he consistently shows his skills and leadership. His performances in the IPL often shine brightly, a stark contrast to his T20I struggles. This disparity raises questions about the reasons behind his inconsistent performances when playing for the Indian Cricket Team. Despite his talent and occasional brilliance, Samson has struggled to replicate his IPL success in international matches. His one memorable knock—a century against South Africa in Paarl earlier this year—seems like a distant memory amidst his recent flops. For a player of his caliber, such inconsistencies are a cause for concern. Fierce Competition The competition for a place in the Indian Cricket Team is fierce, with players like Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma all vying for the wicketkeeper position. In such a competitive environment, Samson’s challenges are not only with his performance but also with the pressure of competing against top-notch talent. Despite the challenges, Samson remains a cricketer who thrives in a supportive and relaxed environment. His ability to perform well when given a clear role and freedom to express himself has been evident in his IPL outings. However, replicating that form in international cricket remains a challenge. As Samson continues to navigate his career, the hope is that he will be granted the opportunity to showcase his true potential. With the right backing and a longer run in the team, there’s still a chance for him to rise to the occasion and solidify his place in the Indian cricketing lineup. For now, he remains a cricketer caught between the expectations of his fans and the harsh realities of international cricket. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Final: India Makes It 9 From 9
In a rare and commendable feat, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team has secured their spot in the ninth consecutive Women’s Asia Cup final, solidifying their dominance in the tournament’s history. The Women in Blue are the only team to have featured in all the finals of the Women’s Asia Cup since its inception in 2004. This remarkable achievement underscores the team’s consistent excellence and determination on the field. Consistent Excellence in the Asia Cup The Indian Women’s team is set to face Sri Lanka in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, continuing their legacy of reaching the summit clash in every edition of the tournament. Over the past two decades, the team’s performance in the Asia Cup has been nothing short of spectacular. Out of the nine editions played so far, India has emerged victorious on eight occasions. Their only loss came in 2018, when they were defeated by the Bangladesh Women’s team in a closely contested final. Eager Anticipation for Another Historic Victory As the Women in Blue prepare to take on Sri Lanka, they aim to add another trophy to their illustrious record, further cementing their status as the powerhouse of women’s cricket in Asia. Fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the final, hoping to witness another historic moment for the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. The Indian Domination The Women’s Asia Cup has seen India dominate the tournament since its inception in 2004. India clinched the title in the first six editions, defeating Sri Lanka in the finals four times (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008) and Pakistan twice (2012, 2016). In 2018, Bangladesh broke India’s winning streak by securing the title in Malaysia, with India finishing as runners-up. India regained their champion status in 2022, hosted by Bangladesh, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. As India is now all set to battle it out against Sri Lanka in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, India remains a strong contender for the title, maintaining their consistent performance in the Women’s Asia Cup over the years. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: Team India’s ODI Team Combination Blueprint
The Indian Cricket Team would be taking on Sri Lanka in a day’s time. The T20I leg of the series starts from the 27th of July, 2024 with the 1st T20I at Pallekele, Sri Lanka. The ODI’s start from the 2nd of August, 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Focussing on the ODI’s, the Indian Cricket Team is in search of balance and right combinations as the men in blue prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025 and also the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027. However, there are a couple of questions to be answered. The Best Fit Out of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant? The ODI squad composition is under scrutiny, particularly the middle-order spots. With Rohit, Gill and Kohli cemented at the top and Hardik Pandya’s place secured when fit, the selectors face a dilemma. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, once mainstays, now find their positions challenged by Rishabh Pant. Pant’s recovery and subsequent performance have put him back in contention, making the Sri Lanka ODIs crucial for these players to stake their claim. The selectors might have to make tough choices, balancing between batting depth and allrounder utility. What Can We Expect from India’s Fast-Bowling Cartel? Managing a heavy test match schedule on the horizon is a must. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested while Mohammed Shami is on a comeback trail from injury. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the bowling attack in both formats during the tour. Arshdeep Singh, having established himself in T20Is will look to impress in the 50-over format. Khaleel Ahmed and Harshit Rana, selected for T20Is and ODIs respectively, along with Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, and Mayank Yadav, have opportunities to make a mark in the Indian bowling lineup. With the questions on the right player to man the middle order and the rising stars set to take responsibility, India’s tour of Sri Lanka surely is going to be a ‘Gambhir Maamla’ to watch out for. Also read about what’s happening with the Indian Cricket Team in T20Is here. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: Why Is ‘Maamla Gambhir’?
India’s tour of Sri Lanka is going to be a tour to watch out for this season. This is largely due to two factors: Gautam Gambhir‘s debut as the head coach and the dawn of a new era in India’s white-ball cricket post their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. The tour begins from 27th of July, 2024 with the 1st T20I at Pallekele. However, there are some major questions which need to be answered as the tour progresses. Will Suryakumar Yadav Rise to the Captaincy Challenge? Suryakumar Yadav, taking the helm as India’s T20I captain, is at the center of this new beginning. In 2015, his initial stint as captain ended controversially when he relinquished leadership of his domestic side following complaints about his on-field and dressing-room conduct. Fast forward nearly a decade, Suryakumar has evolved into a more composed and mature player, becoming one of T20 cricket’s greats. INDIA vs SRI LANKA T20Is- HEAD-TO-HEAD DATE MATCH RESULT VENUE 07th Jan, 2023 India won by 91 runs Rajkot (IND) 05th Jan, 2023 Sri Lanka won by 16 runs Pune (IND) 03rd Jan, 2023 India won by 2 runs Mumbai (IND) 06th Sep, 2022 Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets (with 1 ball remaining) Dubai (UAE) 27th Feb, 2022 India won by 6 wickets (with 19 balls remaining) Dharamshala (IND) Gambhir and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee have expressed confidence in Suryakumar’s leadership qualities, which they observed during his vice-captaincy tenure at Kolkata Knight Riders. His recent captaincy in seven matches, filling in for the rested Rohit Sharma and injured Hardik Pandya, has shown promise. His performance in the 4-1 series win over Australia and a commendable 1-1 draw in South Africa shows his leadership capability. However, Suryakumar’s appointment might stir some undercurrents, given that he will be leading Hardik Pandya, who captains him at Mumbai Indians and was once seen as the likely future T20I captain. Who Will Emerge as India’s T20I Finisher? The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have literally left a road to be filled at the top of the order, likely to be filled by Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Rishabh Pant at No. 3 and Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya anchoring the middle order. This configuration leaves a spot for a finisher, with Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube in contention. Gambhir’s preference for allrounders, demonstrated during his tenure at Lucknow Super Giants with players like Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, and Krunal Pandya, might favor Dube and Parag. However, Rinku Singh’s impressive track record could make him a strong contender. With new leadership and rising stars set to answer a lot of questions, India’s tour of Sri Lanka surely is going to be a ‘Gambhir Maamla’ to watch out for. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Rahul Dravid To Potentially Join Rajasthan Royals As Head Coach
Former Indian Cricket Team head coach Rahul Dravid, might soon make a comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025 season. Sources revealed that the discussions are ongoing between Dravid and the franchise and fans could expect an official announcement soon. DRAVID’S CONNECTION WITH RR The 51-year-old, who recently led the Indian Cricket Team to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, has a deep connection with Rajasthan Royals. He previously captained the Royals and played a crucial role in taking them to the final of the Champions League T20 in 2013. Even after retiring, Dravid stayed involved, mentoring the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2014 and IPL 2015 before moving on to coach various levels of Indian cricket. As a coach he has been very supportive towards his players and captains bot at the Royals and at the Indian Cricket Team. “Talks are going on between Dravid and RR and an announcement in this regard is round the corner,” a source familiar with the talks revealed. JOURNEY WITH THE INDIAN CRICKET TEAM Dravid’s coaching journey with the Indian Cricket Team reached its pinnacle with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory in June this year. His strategic approach towards the players and guidance helped Rohit Sharma and his Indian Cricket Team to secure their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. It was a moment of immense pride for Dravid, who had faced a setback in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia. A ROYAL HOMECOMING ON THE CARDS Having also served as the head coach after succeeding Ravi Shastri in 2021 and as chairman of the National Cricket Academy, Dravid’s potential return to the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals hints at a promising new chapter. The Rajasthan Royals is renowned for nurturing young talent and Dravid’s vast experience and knowledge could be a massive boost for the Royals. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Gautam Gambhir Focuses on Team Unity and Professionalism As New Head Coach
After being appointed as the head coach of the Indian men’s senior team, Gautam Gambhir made a prompt and punctual appearance at his first media interaction on Monday, 22nd of July, 2024. Accompanied by national selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, Gambhir shared his vision for fostering a harmonious team atmosphere and spoke candidly about his relationship with Virat Kohli. On-Field Rivalry Turned Professional Respect Gambhir, who has had his share of intense on-field clashes with Kohli during the IPL, emphasized that their professional relationship is now based on mutual respect and maturity. “It’s good for the TRP, but our relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli… I think it’s between two mature individuals,” he said. “On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their own jersey and come back to a winning dressing room. But at the moment, we’re representing India, representing 140 crore Indians and I’m sure we’re going to be on the same page and try and make India proud.“ Optimistic Collaboration with Kohli Gambhir also highlighted that he has been in regular contact with Kohli, looking forward to their collaboration. “I have had a lot of chat with him… we’ve shared messages. It’s not important what we discussed or how many chats I have had with him. Just because we want headlines, it’s not important,” he said. “Right now, the most important thing is we both are going to be working extremely hard to make India proud. And that’s our job.“ Future of Senior Players: Kohli and Rohit Discussing the future of senior players Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gambhir assured fans that both players remain motivated and ready to contribute to the team’s success in upcoming tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the tour of Australia. “I think they’ve shown what they can deliver on the big stage. Whether it is the T20 World Cup or the ODI World Cup. I think both of those guys have a lot more to offer. We’ve got the Champions Trophy, a tour of Australia, so they will be motivated,” Gambhir said. “Hopefully, they can keep their fitness till the 2027 ODI World Cup. To say how much cricket is left in them is difficult. Any team that has players of their class would love to have them for as long as possible.“ Managing Workloads: Focus on Fast Bowlers On the crucial issue of managing player workloads, particularly for key fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Gambhir stressed its importance. “He is one rare bowler, who anyone would want. You want him to play important games. That’s why the workload management for not just him but fast bowlers is important,” he explained. Support Staff Setup: Key Appointments Gambhir also shared his satisfaction with the support staff setup, announcing that Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate will join as assistant coaches, with T. Dilip continuing as the fielding coach. “I am really happy with BCCI. They’ve agreed with most things I’ve asked for. The crux of the support staff will remain as they are. The rest of the staff will be finalised after the Sri Lanka tour,” he said. He also hinted at the possible appointment of Morne Morkel as the bowling coach, with Sairaj Bahutule stepping in on an interim basis for the Sri Lanka tour. Gambhir’s approach emphasizing on unity and professional excellence promises to bring a fresh dynamic to Indian cricket as the men in blue gear up for the start of the Gambhir era. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Shreyas Iyer to Return to International Cricket
Shreyas Iyer is set to make his return to international cricket in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Iyer, who was not considered for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, was last seen in action during the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Recent Performance and Last Appearance Iyer’s last international appearance came against Australia in the final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Despite his recent achievements, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) punished Iyer for refusing to play in one of the Ranji Trophy matches. Consequently, along with Ishan Kishan, Iyer was not offered a central contract. IPL Success and Captaincy Leading KKR to the IPL 2024 title, Iyer received widespread acclaim for his brilliant captaincy. According to the Indian Express, the BCCI is expected to include him in the contract list following his return to the side for the fifty-over games. Senior Players Return for ODIs There are reports that senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will also participate in the ODIs. Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach, wants these experienced players to be part of the team, considering the limited number of games before the Champions Trophy in 2025. Currently, Jasprit Bumrah is the only player permitted a break. Suryakumar Yadav to Lead in T20Is In the T20Is against Sri Lanka, Suryakumar Yadav is likely to take on the leadership role for India.Read mor on Suryakumar Yadav’s potential leadership role in T20Is here. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye