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Sanath Jayasuriya expressed his displeasure with the DRS decision that granted Virat Kohli a second chance during India’s chase.
For the first time since December 1997, India has failed to secure a bilateral series victory over Sri Lanka after the Islanders shocked the two-time world champions in the second ODI of their three-match series in Colombo on Sunday. Jeffrey Vandersay, who was drafted into Sri Lanka’s lineup following Wanindu Hasaranga’s hamstring injury, delivered a record-breaking six-wicket haul to dismiss India for 208 while they chased 241, taking a commanding 1-0 lead in the series. This 32-run victory came just a day after Sri Lanka’s spinners managed to force a dramatic draw in the series opener against India.
During India’s chase, former captain Virat Kohli was at the center of a DRS controversy in the 15th over. On the final delivery of the over, Kohli attempted to work an offbreak from Akila Dananjaya down the leg side off the back foot, but the ball missed the inside edge and hit his pads. The Sri Lankan players immediately appealed, and the umpire promptly raised his finger. However, Kohli chose to review the decision, and the UltraEdge technology revealed a spike as the ball approached the bat. This evidence led TV umpire Wilson to overturn the original decision.
Both Kohli and the Sri Lankan players were stunned by the DRS outcome. Kohli reacted with laughter, while the Sri Lankan side was visibly dismayed. Kusal Mendis, in frustration, removed his helmet and threw it to the ground, and captain Charith Asalanka expressed his dissatisfaction to on-field umpire Raveendra Wimalasiri. Interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya also showed his displeasure, engaging in an animated discussion with the reserve umpire.
After the match concluded, as Kohli went over to the Sri Lankan team for the traditional post-game handshake, he was intercepted by Jayasuriya. The two engaged in a brief but intense conversation before exchanging a pat on the shoulder and then parting ways.
India captain Rohit Sharma, as he did in the series opener, set a strong foundation for the chase with a blazing 64 off 44 balls, forming a 97-run partnership with opener Shubman Gill. However, Vandersay caused a dramatic collapse, taking six wickets in just 58 balls to leave India struggling at 147 for six in 23.1 overs. Axar Patel tried to salvage the innings with a run-a-ball 44 but received little support as Asalanka claimed successive wickets, exposing the lower order, which ultimately fell apart under the pressure. India will now face Sri Lanka in a crucial third ODI in Colombo on Tuesday.
