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After Sri Lanka's early exit from the T20 World Cup, many among the cricket fraternity were expecting a relatively better showing from them against India. However, the Charith Asalanka-led side could not turn things around, and lost the T20I series 3-0.
There was a sheer lack of confidence and contributions from the inexperienced middle-order, who couldn't continue the team's momentum after a well-built opening stand in two out of three games.
After the selection panel decided to exclude veterans Angelo Mathews and Dhanajaya de Silva after the T20 World Cup debacle, all hopes were pinned on Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga, who failed miserably.
Especially, the final game saw Sri Lanka fail to chase nine off the last two overs against part-time spinners like Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh. They could only manage to tie the game. Then, the Super Over witnessed the Indian team win the game easily.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka are set to face India in the ODI format from Friday, August 2, in Colombo. Let's take a look at how they can recover from the disappointing series loss.
#1 Winning the ODI series in a dominating fashion
The 50-over format has generally been more suitable for the playing style of the Sri Lankan team. This is because the team lack a ferocious hitter in their line-up and are generally reliant on traditional batters.
The likes of Pathum Nissanka and skipper Asalanka are ranked 8th and 14th in the ODI rankings, respectively, and will have to play a key role in helping the team succeed in the series. Moreover, with three 40+ scores in the last five ODI innings, Kusal Mendis can be trusted for his impactful contributions.
The team also has enough spin-bowling options in the form of Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya and Dunith Wellalage for a turning track like Colombo.
Hence, the hosts are expected to give a tough fight to the Indian team and possess a chance of securing a dominating victory.
#2 Getting significant contributions from their middle-order
The middle-order collapse has topped Sri Lanka's headline in their T20I loss against India. After top-order batters like Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera provided them with a blazing start, the middle order could not respond strongly and gave away their wickets easily.
In the first T20I, Sri Lanka were reduced from 149/2 to 170/10 in a span of less than five overs. The recent outing saw them bottling an easy chase by failing to chase 30 runs off the last five overs, with nine wickets in hand.
Certainly, the contributions of the middle order will help Sri Lanka post quality totals and boost the confidence of the team.
#3 Return of key pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara
Although talented pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara were initially named in the T20I squad against India, they were ruled out of the series.
Chameera suffered from bronchitis and respiratory infection, while Thushara fractured his thumb during a training session ahead of the T20I series. Both pacers are unlikely to play the ODI series as well.
However, their return will be pivotal for the Sri Lankan team in the near future, as they will be confident enough to secure consistent breakthroughs in all stages of the game.
Although Thushara hasn't played ODIs, he has been impressive with 19 wickets in 11 T20Is. On the other hand, Chameera has 56 scalps in 50 ODI appearances for Sri Lanka.
