India Vs Sri Lanka: Again! Don't You Get Bored ?
Every next series whether it is Test or ODI, Lankans are either visiting us or inviting. It is not just about conducting a bilateral series but also, in every tri-nation or even multi-nation series – you can find the same team playing against each other.
For say, T20 World Cup group match – 2009, Asia Cup Final – 2010, ODI World Cup Final – 2011.
Just say, how many India vs Sri Lanka hype you want?
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| Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka with MS Dhoni of India at the media brief before India-Sri Lanka series. |
From 2009, India have appeared in 16 bilateral series and 5 triangular series out of which 3 have been played against Sri Lanka; whereas in all 5 triangular series, Lankans competed as third favourite team.
And what would you say, if I compile stats between these two nations after no-series-play with Pakistan.
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| Numbers don't lie. Head-to-head: bilateral series between India and Sri Lanka from 2009 onwards |
Since 2009, India have played 6 Tests, 28 ODIs and 4 T20s against Sri Lanka overall which includes 5 finale standings. Isn’t it enough though, we are again buckled up for the same rivalry to watch.
After Pakistan’s exit, do Lankans acclaimed BCCI’s exclusive rights to play with us? Season could be new but not the opposition for us – Indians. From 2008-09 season to till now, if we have rare clash against Pakistan on the field; then in the reverse manner, we scheduled series with Lanka off the field.
Believe it or not – but only season 2011-12 was the exception where, luckily, we didn’t get the same glimpse. Only one match has been played between these two sides and that is the WC finale for which you can’t even complain! My condolence!
Instead of wondering, say thanks to Australia and Pakistan for their true calibre and peak performances during CB series and Asia Cup respectively; else it would have been another boring combination – India vs Sri Lanka in finale, AGAIN.
Are you not tired of listening same commentary, saying: “when it comes to India vs SL, MSD don’t need to interact much with his boys. They know where to take field when there is a change in strike. After all, they know each-other’s very well.”
Just because India can’t play against Pakistan due to political and other issues; it doesn’t mean our every 3rd competitor would be Sri Lanka. Instead of this, can’t we give a break to our cricketers who constantly complained about too much cricket?
We can either allow them to play in domestic cricket instead of bunching against the same bouquet.
Still, if a tournament or series is that much necessary to conduct we have other nations as well. Can’t Bangladesh be the 3rd competitor instead of Lankans or even Pakistan? We could try for Indo-Pak matches at a neutral venue.
I agree, it wasn’t easy but not impossible either. Just like now BCCI trying to rebuild cricket relations with PCB; can’t it be done earlier as well? Still it is a proposal from BCCI and we have mixed of opinions. And trust me if, we had tried it earlier, it would have the same results.
If not earlier then why should now and if now, then why should not earlier?
At one hand both nations’ PM met at Mohali Stadium – not just to witness a semi final WC match, but to relish the high profile India-Pak semi final thrill; where on another side, the same nation’s players are not allowed to for an entire cricket series. What’s wrong in this, after all!
They say Sports enhance brotherhood, unity and peace but when it matters most, they step back by mentioning old issues. Can’t we resolve it?
Let cricket be your reason. Let two nations play again. Let the ground to achieve more cricket heights.
Let cricket be your reason. Let two nations play again. Let the ground to achieve more cricket heights.
I won’t say we, India, shouldn’t play against Lanka. But at least there should be a designed gap between such redundancies. Seeing top two Asian teams playing against each other in every next 3rd series is quite tedious. NO?
Again, the same Asian giants are ready to roar in order to clinch another ODI title.
Would it be a new fascinating end as BCCI proposed Indo-Pak war on a return track? Or shall we expect more?
I would say, enjoy Mahela's captaincy as you know MSD well though!
For rest, we have CRICKET. :-)
Would it be a new fascinating end as BCCI proposed Indo-Pak war on a return track? Or shall we expect more?
I would say, enjoy Mahela's captaincy as you know MSD well though!
For rest, we have CRICKET. :-)
