Rohit Sharma-led Team India took to the field against Sri Lanka in the first ODI match of the series wearing black armbands in memory of former India cricketer Aunshuman Gaekwad who passed away on Wednesday.
Gaekwad had been battling lung cancer for a long time. He was in London until last month and he passed away in Vadodara.
Gaekwad served as the coach of India twice after being appointed in October 1997. His second stint began in 2000. It was under his reign that India's iconic spinner, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/never-missed-sending-christmas-and-diwali-greetings-to-each-other-michael-holding-india-anshumna-gaekwad-23370780" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Anil Kumble</a>, claimed all ten wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.
Gaekwad also represented India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs from 1975 to 1987. Gaekwad made his Test debut against the West Indies in December 1974. He scored 1,985 runs in Tests, with his highest score of 201 coming against arch-rival Pakistan. In a career that spanned over 22 years, Gaekwad played <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/bawa-assured-of-medal-for-india-singh-ousted-23364620" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">205 first-class</a> matches.
India's tour of Sri Lanka started on July 27 with the T20I series, with India securing a 43-run win. In the second T20I, India secured a seven-wicket victory in a rain-affected match. Meanwhile, the Men in Blue clinched a win in the super-over in the third match.
Rohit Sharma came back in Indian colours after leading Men in Blue to a memorable seven-run against South Africa in the final of <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/sky-to-follow-rohits-aggressive-template-23368431" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ICC T20 World Cup</a> at Barbados on June 29.
Sri Lanka skipper <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/celebrity-life/fashion-and-beauty/article/anant-radhika-ambani-wedding-bridesindoor-mangalsutra-unseen-video-mangal-utsav-23364262" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Charith Asalanka</a> won the toss and opted to bat first in the opening One-Day International. Asalanka said they are handing a debut to pacer Mohammed Shiraz considering the nature of the pitch. For India, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Kuldeep Yadav will be a part of the eleven, while Shivam Dube will play his first ODI since 2019.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz. India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.&nbsp;
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)

Team India wear black armbands in former India cricketer Aunshuman Gaekwad`s memory at IND Vs. SL ODI

Team India wear black armbands in former India cricketer Aunshuman Gaekwad's memory at IND Vs. SL ODI

IND vs SL 1st ODI: Nissanka, Wellalage's stellar knocks guide SL to 230 runs

Gaekwad had been battling lung cancer for a long time. He was in London until last month and he passed away in Vadodara

Team India wear black armbands in Aunshuman Gaekwad's memory

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