IND vs SL: After winning the T20 series 3-0, India started the ODI series as a strong favorites. But it has turned totally in the opposite direction that the Indian camp would have thought of. After the first match ended in a tie, Sri Lanka outplayed India in the second game and took a 1-0 unassailable lead.
The Indian middle order didn’t have an answer against the Sri Lankan spinners, and they fell like a pack of cards in both matches. That has put India on the verge of losing the series, and this will be the first bilateral series win for Sri Lanka over India since 1997.
That means the wait of 27 years can end on Wednesday when these two teams will meet in the third and final IND vs SL ODI. So can India bounce back, or will Sri Lankan spinners make them dance to their tunes? We will discuss why Sri Lanka are favorites to win this series.
IND vs SL: Three Major Factors that make Sri Lanka favorites to win the ODI Series
3. In-form Lower Middle Order
Indian bowlers have done a great job in both ODIs and taken early wickets. In the first game, Sri Lanka were 101/5, and in the second, they were 136/6. But despite that, India let them reach a score which was competitive. On the other hand, the Indian lower order has struggled in both games.
In the first match, there were a few 20s or 30s, but in the second game, only Axar Patel played a significant inning and other batters failed. That can make a big difference even in the third and final IND vs SL ODI. That’s where the visitors are missing Jasprit Bumrah.
2. India’s weakness against Spin
There was a time when Indian batters were considered brilliant players of spin. But that can’t be said about the current Indian batting. We have seen in both matches. Apart from Rohit Sharma, no other Indian batter looked comfortable against spinner; even Virat Kohli and KL Rahul also struggled.
That’s where Sri Lanka have an edge. They are the hosts and know the conditions pretty well. Their batters are also struggling, but they are keeping wickets in hand, going into the final overs, which India haven’t done in the IND vs SL ODI series.
1. Consistent Changes in Batting Order
There is no doubt that India are still favorites to win the last game to level the series. But two back-to-back poor batting displays might have raised doubts in the minds of the players. Adding to that, India have not gone with a settled batting lineup in the first two games.
There have been many changes in batting orders, and KL Rahul batted at No. 7 in the second game, which is not his usual position. That can also affect the team’s mindset. Though Gautam Gambhir has his own plans and it may work for India in the coming future but so far it has backfired on the team.
Also Read: IND vs SL: 3 Players who might be dropped from ODI Squad if they fail to perform well in 3rd ODI