Revealed: Why Indian cricketers are wearing black armbands in 1st SL vs IND ODI

The 1st SL vs IND ODI is being played on Friday at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

After the whitewash of the hosts in the T20I series, the Indian cricket team are now taking on Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series. The first ODI got underway on August 2, Friday, at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. All three ODIs will be played at this venue.

For India, skipper Rohit Sharma, senior batter Virat Kohli and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned to international cricket after a break of a month following the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph on June 29. Rohit, who is retired from T20Is, continues to lead the side in ODIs.

Sri Lanka have a new ODI skipper in Charith Asalanka. The hosts have lost the services of fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka for this series due to injuries.

SL vs IND 1st ODI: India players wear black armbands in memory of Anshuman Gaekwad

Meanwhile, Indian cricketers were seen sporting black armbands during the first ODI at RPS, Colombo. The reason behind them wear black armbands is in memory of former Indian cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday.

Gaekwad died at the age of 71 after a long battle with blood cancer. He was in London till last month before being shifted to Baroda. Gaekwad played 40 tests and 15 ODIs between 1975 and 1987. He then became selector and head coach of the national team as well.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl first in Colombo.

Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket for IPL 2024 Live Score & IPL Points Table,  on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.