India vs New Zealand ODI series
Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli failed to continue his magnificent form in the first ODI of a three-match home series against New Zealand. After opting to bat first, Indian openers provided a solid 60-run partnership. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma fell after scoring 34.
Kohli, having returned to his form, failed to score big this time around. He scored just eight runs off 10 balls, including a boundary. The right-handed batter, who scored two centuries in the previous ODI series against Sri Lanka, fell short of reading Mitchel Santner to get clean bowled.
When this story was filed, India were 156-3 in 25.3 overs.
Kohli’s recent performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka
In the ODI series against Sri Lanka that concluded on January 15, Kohli finished as the top-scorer with 283 runs at an average of 141.50. He scored 166 runs not out in India’s record-breaking 317-run victory in the third ODI.
The batter scored 113 runs in the first ODI, which India won by 67 runs.
Sri Lanka Cricket directs for inquiry
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) ordered the national team manager to submit a report on the reasons behind the embarrassing loss in the third and last ODI of the series against India on January 15.
India beat Sri Lanka by 317 runs (record in terms of runs margin). Kohli scored a magnificent 166 runs and played an important role in India’s record-breaking victory at home.
Following the defeat, SLC decided to inquire about this heavy loss within five days. The manager has been asked to include the views of the captain, head coach, and selection panel.
“The report will enable Sri Lanka Cricket to review and understand the background to the team’s dismal performances during the final ODI, which it lost by 317 runs after being bowled out in 22 overs,” SLC wrote in a letter issued to the team’s manager.
