SL vs IND 2024: Why is India wearing black armbands in first ODI?

Team India is continuing their ongoing white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Both sides are locking horns in the first ODI of the three-game series at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo today, August 2. With the first ODI, names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made their return to the ODI lineup. 

As the first ODI began, the Men in Blue were seen wearing black armbands. The side wore the bands to mourn the death of former Indian cricketer and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad. The former cricketer lost his battle against blood cancer and passed away on July 31 at the age of 71.

Gaekwad competed in a total of 40 Test matches and 15 One-Day Internationals from 1975 to 1987 for India, scoring 1985 runs in 70 Test innings. He became India’s head coach in 1997, even guiding the side to the 1998 tri-nation tournament. 

India hope to get off to a positive start in the ODI series

Speaking of the ongoing series, team India put in an excellent performance in the recently concluded T20I series. India and Sri Lanka faced off in the three T20I matches, where the Men in Blue managed to win every game they played and clean-swept the hosts. 

Sri Lanka could not perform ideally in any of the T20Is as they succumbed to a 0-3 loss to the visitors. However, as the ODI series approaches, the Charith Asalanka-led side will hope to heavily improve and register a win in the first ODI. 

As for the game, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat in Colombo. The side will hope for a good showing and post a big total onto the scoreboard.