Why is Team India wearing black armbands in today’s IND vs SL 2024 1st ODI?

Team India will take the field wearing black armbands for the first ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. The armbands are being worn to mourn the passing away of former India player and coach Anshuman Gaekwad.

Gaekwad had been battling blood cancer for a while, but unfortunately passed away on Wednesday, July 31. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay SHah had pledged ₹1 crore to support his treatment.

"Team India is wearing black armbands today in memory of former Indian cricketer and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday," BCCI posted on Twitter.

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma also expressed his condolences during the pre-match press conference in Colombo.

"Absolutely devastated to hear the news of Anshuman Gaekwad's passing. I was lucky to have a few chances to talk to him in the past," Rohit said.

Anshuman Gaekwad represented India in 40 ODIs and 15 Tests over the course of his career. He served as Team India's head coach in the final years of the previous century.

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Team India asked to bowl first in first ODI

The Men in Blue's road to the Champions Trophy begins with the ODI series in Sri Lanka. The assignment also marks the first match under the newfound dynamic of Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

The 50-over format also brings back the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul among others.

"We have played a lot of cricket here and know the conditions. There has been a lot of changes; I am back, so is Virat, KL and Shreyas Iyer. Kuldeep also comes back in. Dube is also playing. We have a pretty decent balance," Rohit said at the toss.

Team India have only lost one bilateral series to Sri Lanka since 1997, and will be looking to keep the dominant streak alive.

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