India are gearing up to face Sri Lanka in the first ODI match of a three-match series, marking a significant moment for the team as it is the first ODI assignment under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The first ODI between both teams will be played on Friday at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. This series will mark a fresh chapter for team India under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.

Gautam Gambhir, who recently took over the reins as head coach across all formats, has already made a positive impact. In his very first assignment, he oversaw India’s recently concluded three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka where India swept the series 3-0. This successful start has set high expectations for the upcoming ODI series.

One of the highlights of this series is the return of veterans skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players will be up for their first series under new head coach Gautam Gambhir since he took the reins. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be returning to action for the first time since leading India to title victory at the T20I World Cup 2024 in June.

After India’s title win, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had bowed out of T20 international. However, both players will continue to play ODIs and Tests. Rohit Sharma will be leading India in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, hope to bounce back in the three-match ODI series after a disappointing series defeat in the recently concluded T20I series. 

Head To Head

Matches: 168

Sri Lanka Won: 99

India Won: 57

Sri Lanka probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Mohamed Shiraz, Chameeka Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando

India probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant (wk), Shivam Dube/Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana