India vs Sri Lanka: Player ratings from the first ODI
The first ODI was a completely one-sided encounter as the visitors completely dominated the Indian batting lineup. Displaying the quality of their bowling by taking advantage of the wicket, Sri Lankans completely caused the Indian batting to collapse.
The Indian team might have to learn and rectify their mistakes and try to overcome their weaknesses before they start touring overseas in 2018.
Sri Lanka seized every opportunity in taking wickets as they prevented India from settling down. The first ODI was a perfect match for the Sri Lankan fans and probably a match to forget for the Indian fans.
Let us take a look at how each of them progressed in the match.
India
Rohit Sharma: 3.5/10
The 24th Indian ODI skipper had a horrendous start to his captaincy career as he was completely outclassed by the late swing of Lakmal and caught an edge of the bat that carried to the keeper. He didn’t look very comfortable in the few balls he faced, which raises questions about his ability against swing bowling.
Shikhar Dhawan – 3/10
The Delhi opener lost his wicket again by the deceit of swing bowling. He played the ball too early on the front foot and Mathews bowled the perfect line to get him out. He didn't have much of an influence in the rest of the match apart from the catch of Tharanga.
Shreyas Iyer – 4/10
The debutant played 27 balls and had enough time to get adjusted to the conditions and convert his start into a good score. However, he lost his wicket in a rather lethargic manner, as he didn’t move his feet towards the ball, which resulted in an inside edge to the stumps.
Dinesh Karthik – 2.5/10
At the moment, Karthik has the best chance to seal his spot in the team as the team is looking to solve the middle order conundrum. On this occasion, Karthik failed to grab his chance, as he played 18 balls and didn’t score a single run. He added pressure on himself, his partner and the team as well as he got out - courtesy Lakmal.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni – 8.5/10
The former Indian captain scored a valuable 65 in difficult conditions, making him the top scorer for the team and the match. Known for his calmness and composure, Dhoni portrayed the same exact skills and abilities whilst dealing with pressure. He would have hoped for someone to stay at the other end to build a good partnership.
Hardik Pandya – 4.5/10
Pandya played his normal attacking style of cricket for which he is best known. However, his attempt to leave the ball was outclassed by the late swing of Pradeep. He should have played with a little more patience and formed a partnership with Dhoni to get India to a decent target.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar - 6/10
With the ball, Kumar bowled well in the early stages of the Sri Lankan innings and was rewarded with the wicket of Thirimanne. He tried hard to take wickets, but the Sri Lankan batsmen were under no pressure of chasing a big score and managed his bowling accordingly.
Kuldeep Yadav - 6.5/10
Surprisingly, the chinaman performed well with the bat and formed a decent partnership with Dhoni. He played several elegant shots for the boundary and scored a handy 19. He didn't get to bowl in the second innings and would've probably liked a couple of overs given to him by the captain.
Jasprit Bumrah - 5.5/10
Bumrah used his wicket-taking ability and got the first breakthrough of the Sri Lankan team by taking the wicket of Gunathilaka. However, his issues with the no-ball have extended to this match, as he took the wicket of Tharanga on a no-ball, which might have been a turning point in the match.
Yuzvendra Chahal - 4.5/10
For the most part, Chahal had no influence on the game as he didn't get to bowl and came towards the end to bat. He did well with the bat as Dhoni was scoring at the other end.