It is the start of a new year as India play’s its 1st ODI of the year. India finished the last year with an ODI series loss to Bangladesh with a 2-1 margin. India is ready to welcome back their 2 biggest superstars in Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma.
This series will officially start Indian cricket team’s preparation for the 2023 ICC cricket World Cup. Sri Lanka, gave a good account of themselves during the T20 series by forcing the 3 game series to a decider. Dasun Shanaka and his men will be hungry to show their improvement to the Indian team.
Rohit Sharma comforts a young fan –
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is finally back on the field. The 35 year old had injured his finger during the ODI series against Bangladesh and ended up missing the 2 match test series.
The Indian captain was walking after practice in Guwahati when he spotted a young fan. Rohit made his way to the fan, and the young man could be seen in tears. Rohit Sharma was playful in his approach and comforted the youngster before signing his autograph and clicking a few pictures with young fan.
The HITMAN FAN!🙌🏼
— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) January 9, 2023
Watch this adorable interaction between Rohit Sharma and a kid, who started crying after meeting his favorite player in Guwahati😊 pic.twitter.com/BTqQBX7HsK
India looking to make a rousing start to the year –
India had an overall good year when it came to ODI cricket in the year 2022. India played 24 games with series wins against England, Zimbabwe, West Indies and South Africa at home. The series losses were against against South Africa, New Zealand and Bangladesh. India enjoyed good away form with most of the wins coming when touring. India will hope 2023 is better as they first face Sri Lanka at the Barsapara stadium at Guwahati on Tuesday.
Bumrah loss for India –
It was a disappointing start to the week for Indian cricket and its fans. It was announced that Jasprit Bumrah will not feature in the 3 match ODI series. The 29 year old seamer had felt stiffness in his back yet again during his stint at the NCA. The BCCI decided to rest him and not take any chances with a huge year ahead.