This is India’s immediate moment of reckoning. Undefeated in a bilateral One-Day International series in Sri Lanka since 1997 and anywhere in the world since March 2023, when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Australia, Rohit Sharma’s men face the arduous task of bearding the Lankan tweakers in their own den in the final game at the R Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.

Friday’s thrilling tie has ensured that despite their embarrassing 32-run loss in Sunday’s second game, India are still in with a chance of flying back home with the series squared. For that to transpire, they must show greater assurance and intent against the turning ball, which has proved a mystery too hard to unravel thus far for one of the strongest batting units in the world.