Dinesh Karthik identifies positives for India after Sri Lanka ODI series defeat

India's 2-0 defeat in the recent three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka has become a focal point of discussions. The outcome overshadowed the T20I series whitewash that India had previously inflicted on the islanders.

Meanwhile, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik, has reflected on the silver linings in the 50-over series. For Karthik, the most significant and encouraging takeaway was India's approach of not only identifying key all-rounders for the 50-over squad, but also ensuring their consistent inclusion across all three matches in the playing XI, a move that he viewed as a substantial positive.

“The biggest positive is the fact that India played all-rounders and bravely attacked. So, that is something I really liked," stated Karthik on Cricbuzz. 

He also appreciated Riyan Parag, who made his ODI debut during the tour, for showcasing his potential as a valuable asset on spin-friendly tracks. "No. 2, Riyan Parag, in his limited opportunities, is showing what he can do with the ball, which is again a small plus for us," mentioned Karthik.

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He is making batting look too easy in the series: Karthik

Karthik also listed skipper Rohit Sharma's batting as another significant virtue, emphasising the momentum-setting starts he provided during the powerplay.

"Other than that, I think Rohit’s batting is itself. The way he started in the powerplay. He was making batting look really easy in the series. Batted beautifully. These were the positives for me from this series,” added Karthik.

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Rohit truly distinguished himself with a commanding performance in the Sri Lanka series. Fresh from the T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, he seamlessly continued his formidable form from the Americas, emerging as the leading run-scorer of the series with 157 runs in three innings.