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As the much-anticipated ODI series between Sri Lanka and India approaches, the cricketing world is abuzz with excitement. The first One Day International is set to kick off on August 2, 2024, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Building on their recent success in the T20I series, the Indian team is in high spirits and eager to continue their winning momentum.
Notable additions to the Indian squad for this series are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have rejoined the team after retiring from T20I cricket following their triumphant ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in June. Their return has significantly bolstered the team’s lineup.
Shreyas Iyer demonstrates spin bowling skills during net session
In a surprising yet intriguing development, top-order batter Shreyas Iyer was recently seen bowling off-spin during a net session in preparation for the upcoming ODI series. This shift in his role is attributed to the new head coach of the Indian team, Gautam Gambhir. Known for his innovative approach and preference for versatile players, Gambhir has encouraged players to enhance their contributions by developing skills in multiple areas.
Here is the video:
T20I Series ✅
It's now time for ODIs 😎🙌#TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/FolAVEn3OG
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 1, 2024
This strategic move follows a trend seen in recent matches, including the T20I series against Sri Lanka, where middle-order batsmen Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh made impactful bowling appearances. Their successful spells highlighted the potential benefits of having players who can fulfil various roles within the squad.
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Shreyas’ remarkable World Cup performance
Shreyas’ return to the Indian team is highly anticipated, especially since he has been absent from the squad for some time. His last ODI appearance was in December 2023 against South Africa. Iyer was in exceptional form during the ODI World Cup 2023 edition, amassing 530 runs in 11 matches, including two centuries and three half-centuries. His impressive average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24 underscored his critical role in the team’s performance.
As the Indian team prepares for their ODI showdown against Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on Shreyas and his newfound spin-bowling skills. This unexpected twist adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series and showcases the depth and versatility of the Indian squad.
