IND vs SL 2024 3rd ODI Preview: India vs Sri Lanka live streaming, toss, pitch report, probable playing 11 and squad

India will take on Sri Lanka for the third and final match of the ODI series. (PTI Photo)

After a disappointing loss in the second ODI and a tie in the first match, the Indian batsmen, especially Virat Kohli, will need to step up and follow the example set by captain Rohit Sharma in the third and final ODI in Colombo on Wednesday. Their primary goal is to avert their first series defeat to Sri Lanka in 27 years. This series outcome is particularly crucial for Gautam Gambhir, who is overseeing his first ODI assignment as head coach and is known for his commitment to winning. India's last bilateral ODI series loss to Sri Lanka occurred in 1997, when Arjuna Ranatunga’s team inflicted a 0-3 defeat on Sachin Tendulkar’s side.

Since that series, India and Sri Lanka have contested 11 bilateral ODI series, with India emerging victorious in each one. However, India’s chances of winning the current series are dashed after a 32-run defeat in the second ODI and a tie in the first match.

The team’s current predicament is largely due to the batsmen's inability to handle the spin challenge on the turning R Premadasa pitch. Virat Kohli, in particular, has struggled, managing only 38 runs across two matches. His dismissals, rather than just the runs scored, are more troubling, as they reflect a lack of composure.

Kohli appeared subdued, especially after Rohit Sharma's aggressive starts. Instead of building on those foundations, Kohli struggled against the spin of Wanindu Hasaranga in the first match and Jeffrey Vandersay, who took six wickets in the second. Kohli’s form stands in stark contrast to his past performances at this venue, where he previously scored four centuries.

For India to succeed, a fluent Kohli is crucial, whether chasing or setting a target. His struggles are indicative of the broader issues within the Indian batting line-up. Shivam Dube, known for his ability against spin, failed to handle a simple leg-break from Vandersay in the second ODI. Similarly, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, who have historically excelled against spinners, have been ineffective against the Lankan bowlers.

They need to revisit basic tactics, such as rotating strike, which is essential on such spin-friendly pitches. Observing Rohit Sharma’s approach might offer some insights. Rohit’s batting, characterised by confidence and meticulous planning, has been exemplary, with his 44-ball 64 in the second ODI being particularly well-executed and calculated, showcasing his ability to neutralise both pace and spin.

IND vs SL Live Streaming Details

All matches in the India vs Sri Lanka ODI series will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo starting at 2:30 PM (India Time). The matches will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the Sony LIV website and app.

IND vs SL Pitch Report

The pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo typically favours spinners. In the second ODI, it was particularly evident, as spinners claimed 15 of the 19 wickets. Jeffrey Vandersay delivered a spell of a lifetime, taking 6 wickets and showcasing his exceptional skills.

IND vs SL Weather Report

Third and the last ODI of the series may be disrupted due to rain as the weather on Wednesday is expected to be cloudy and high chances of drizzle during the match hours.

IND vs SL Head to Head

India and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 170 One Day Internationals (ODIs). Of these matches, India has secured 99 victories, Sri Lanka has won 58, there has been 2 ties, and 11 matches have concluded without a result.

IND vs SL Probable 11:

Will Riyan Parag get a call for third ODI? Considering team dynamics, the Indian management might reassess Shivam Dube's position despite his 24-ball 25 in the first match. Given the current conditions, Riyan Parag’s spin options, whether off-spin or leg-spin, could prove more useful than Dube’s medium pace. Additionally, Parag is known for his hard-hitting abilities. Meanwhile, Indian bowlers need to step up their performance in crucial moments, as they failed to finish off the Sri Lankan innings after reducing them to 142 for six and 136 for six.

Sri Lanka seems to have struck the right chord against India as they have challenged the T20 World Champions in every aspect of the game. Ending up in a tie in the first ODI and then beating India by 32 runs in the second match must have given them a huge confidence to go for a series win against India. They may not encourage any change in their playing 11 from the last match.

Let’s take a look at the probable team combination for both the teams.

India's probable 11: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube/Riyan Parag, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj/Khaleel Ahmad, Harshit Rana.

Sri Lanka's probable 11: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana

IND vs SL Squads

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.