(Source X)
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has voiced concerns about the Rohit Sharma-led team’s performance ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Jaffer pointed out that India has just three ODIs remaining before the ICC event, set to take place in February-March next year.
The Indian team began the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with a tie and failed to chase a 231-run target despite being in a strong position. They subsequently lost the next two matches, conceding a 2-0 lead to Sri Lanka in the series.
Sri Lanka secured a 110-run victory in the third and final ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 7. This defeat marks India’s first bilateral ODI series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years, with their last such loss occurring in 1997.
Sri Lanka Played Better Cricket And Deserve The Series Win – Wasim Jaffer
Following the third ODI, Wasim Jaffer conceded that Sri Lanka outplayed India throughout the series and deserved their victory. While he expressed that he wasn’t overly concerned about the series loss itself, Jaffer highlighted the limited number of ODI matches remaining for the Rohit Sharma-led team before the Champions Trophy.
“SL played better cricket and deserve the series win. It doesn’t worry me that India lost a series. Wins and losses are part of the game. However it’s a point of concern that India has just 3 ODIs before the Champions Trophy. #SLvIND,” Wasim Jaffer wrote on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account.
India’s next ODI series is scheduled for February next year, where they will host England for a three-match series. The Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan during February-March. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to propose a hybrid model for the tournament to the ICC.
Charith Asalanka chose to bat first after winning the toss in the final ODI of the series. Opener Avishka Fernando fell just short of a century, scoring 96, while former captain Kusal Mendis contributed 59 runs, helping Sri Lanka set a target of 248. On debut, Riyan Parag claimed three wickets for 54 runs.
India’s chase began with promise as Rohit Sharma scored 35 runs off 20 balls, but the team collapsed from 53/2 to 101/8. Despite Washington Sundar’s late boundaries, India was eventually bowled out for 138. Sri Lankan bowler Dunith Wellalage delivered a standout performance, taking five wickets for just 27 runs in 5.1 overs.
Avishka Fernando was awarded Player of the Match for his standout innings, while Dunith Wellalage was named Player of the Series for his exceptional all-round performances throughout the series.
