SL vs IND: 1st ODI Review – 3 talking points from India’s thumping victory
The Indian side produced a resplendent performance to thrash the Sri Lankan side with 7 wickets and 80 balls to spare in the first ODI of the three-match ODI series between the two sides. After restricting the hosts to a total of 262/9, India coasted past the target with ease. On that note, let us take a look at three major talking points from the first ODI.
3) ’Kulcha’ shine after reuniting after more than 2 years
Indian spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, popularly known as the ‘Kulcha’ duo reunited in Indian colours for the first time in more than two years in ODI cricket. The last time that Kuldeep and Chahal had played an ODI match together for India was way back on 30th June 2019.
And, both Kuldeep and Chahal produced a good performance with the ball in hand. While Kuldeep scalped 2 wickets in the 9 overs that he bowled and gave away 48 runs, Chahal picked up 2 wickets in 10 overs, giving away 52 runs.
2) Birthday boy Ishan Kishan sizzles on debut
Today was a day that brought ‘double delight’ for Ishan Kishan. Not only did Kishan make his ODI debut for the Indian side today, but it was also his 23rd birthday as well. And, Kishan produced a resplendent performance with the willow to celebrate both occasions. Kishan blasted a sensational 59 off 42 deliveries, and his blazing knock rendered the Sri Lankan side totally helpless.
1) Shikhar Dhawan anchors chase on captaincy debut
Shikhar Dhawan celebrated his captaincy debut in style by scoring a resplendent 86* off 95 deliveries against Sri Lanka. Dhawan scored 6 fours and a six in his stay out in the middle and ensured that the Indian side went past the target set by Sri Lanka without any hiccups. Dhawan also went past 6000 runs in ODI cricket during the course of his knock. He is the 10th Indian batsman to breach the 6000-run mark.
