India has nothing left to prove in the series after displaying back-to-back ruthless performances in the first three ODIs. The men in blue were equally good in all the departments and are clearly heading as favorite in the fourth one-dayer against Sri Lanka.
Where to Watch India vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI Online
The third one-dayer between India and Sri Lanka is schedule for a 13:30 IST (08:00 GMT) start in Kolkata. Viewers can watch India vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI live score updates online on BCCI, ICC or ESPN Cricinfo. The match will be broadcasted on Star Sports in India, with online live streaming option HERE. International viewers can catch the action live online on Willow TV HERE or HERE.
Regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been ruled out of the remaining matches because of an injured thumb, giving Virat Kohli a good opportunity to sharpen his skills before the much-anticipated Australia tour.
Things so far have fallen in place for the stand-in skipper and he would be hoping to continue the trend and reclaim the top-spot in the ODI rankings. India requires just one more win in the series to remain on top of the ODI rankings ahead of South Africa.
“Until the end of the innings, we are looking to get the opposition out rather than restrict runs. These are the things we want to do,” Virat said. “When it comes to batting or bowling, you get better at a particular shot or a ball only after practicing it 500-600 times.”
“So, why not do the same when it comes to winning? We want winning to be a habit that we do over and over again rather than being something that we are asked to do,” he added.
India might have clinched the series but there is still plenty at stake. Rohit Sharma and Robin Uthappa are making a comeback into the side and it could be a golden chance for them to strengthen themselves as strong contenders for World Cup spots.
The Eden Gardens pitch is expected to be a belter, which is certainly not good news for the inexperienced Lankan bowlers. They are thrashed in the series so far as the Indian top-order has produced some steaming performances.
However, the inclusion of Shaminda Eranga and Ajantha Mendis will certainly bolster Lanka’s attack but without Lasith Malinga and Rangana Herath it would be difficult for them to restrict the in-form Indian team.
Injection of few players, namely Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal might help the Lankan Lions to salvage some pride. There were flashes of brilliance, yes, but the touring party has failed to perform as a unit in the series so far.
“Every team tries to test out new players and form their combinations ahead of the World Cup,” Mahela Jayawardena said. “This series gave us five more games to do so and we are taking it in a very positive way.”
“Yes, we are disappointed in how we played in the first three games and although some departments clicked in flashes, it hasn’t been an overall performance,” he added. “Hope we make it right tomorrow.”
Squads: India (probable): Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa (wk), Stuart Binny , Akshar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dhawal Kulkarni and Umesh Yadav.
Sri Lanka (probable): Kusal Perera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Seekkuge Prasanna, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis and Lahiru Gamage.
