Story Men in blue look to rebuild - An Indian cricket story! | 1st ODI v SL

[Prithvi]

Few doubts, when selectors came to know IPL performances are momentary and they can come away with very less talent, why they have selected a team on basis of IPL.

Secondly, when all players except the ones who played at WI were cricket-less, why additional rest?

And why not Yuvi in dressing room, so that he can get used to the team?

 

[Gaurav_7]

I'll look to make the most of this opportunity - Ambati Rayudu ; SL name ODI squad

Ambati Rayudu has been impressive in the IPL for Mumbai Indians​

I am very happy to play for my country. This was my dream from the moment I picked up the bat. I'll look to make the most of this opportunity. The time I've spent with Mumbai Indians has helped me a lot. I am very excited for this tour.

Ambati Rayudu hopes he can grab the opportunity with both the hands. He has shown glimpses of his talent in the IPL playing for Mumbai Indians, now is the time for him to step up and make it count. He looks determined and is very excited about playing in Indian colors.

In the meanwhile, SL have announced the squad for the ODI series, almost similar to that played against Pakistan which Sri Lanka won 3-1 with one game washed out. Jeevan Mendis has been left out, Randiv comes in.

Mahela Jayawardene (c)
Kumar Sangakkara (wk)
Dinesh Chandimal (wk)
Tillakaratne Dilshan
Nuwan Pradeep
Dilhara Fernando
Nuwan Kulasekara
Lasith Malinga
Angelo Mathews
Suraj Randiv
Thisara Perera
Sachithra Senanayake
Upul Tharanga
Lahiru Thirimanne
Rangana Herath

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Fixtures for the tour are as follows -

Sat Jul 21
1st ODI - Sri Lanka v India
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota

Tue Jul 24
2nd ODI - Sri Lanka v India
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota

Sat Jul 28
3rd ODI - Sri Lanka v India
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Tue Jul 31
4th ODI - Sri Lanka v India
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Sat Aug 4
5th ODI - Sri Lanka v India
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Tue Aug 7
Only T20I - Sri Lanka v India
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium​

 

[Gaurav_7]

1st ODI - Sri Lanka v India
at Hambantota

A new season, a new captain, a new coach and a newish looking squad for India. Too much new new, isn't it? No one minds that though as it is the Men in blue who are back playing Cricket at the highest level. This is first of the five one day internationals to be played in the series. At the toss, it was Gautam Gambhir who called correctly and opted to bat first. The pitch looked a typical Sri Lankan strip, a bit dry, on a slower side.​

Ajinkya Rahane
Sachin Tendulkar
Gautam Gambhir (c)
Manoj Tiwary
Yusuf Pathan
Wriddhiman Saha (wk)
Irfan Pathan
Ravichandran Ashwin
Varun Aaron
Umesh Yadav
Ishant Sharma

Tillakaratne Dilshan
Mahela Jayawardene (c)
Kumar Sangakkara
Angelo Mathews
Dinesh Chandimal (wk)
Lahiru Thirimanne
Thisara Perera
Nuwan Kulasekara
Lasith Malinga
Rangana Herath
Dilhara Fernando

Indians going in with just four specialist batsmen along with a wicket keeper batsman and two all rounders in Pathan brothers. It was a sort of a surprise for everyone but, the previous month or two have been surprising for the Indian cricket and fans already... Sri Lanka, on the other hand have the full strength squad and a solid looking XI on the field.​

Slow but steady start for India

Early trouble for the Indian openers as Malinga went past the bat a number of times

Sachin Tendulkar played some cracking shots after settling down as he reached his fifty

Wrong call by Rahane led to Tendulkar's run out in the 25th over as he couldn't get back to the crease

India 104/1 25 overs
Gautam Gambhir* 0 (0)
Ajinkya Rahane 46 (72) (4X4 1X6)

Nuwan Kulasekara 4-1-16-0

Last wicket - Sachin Tendulkar 56 (78) (5X4)​