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While 2024 marked a historic second T20 World Cup triumph for India, the year also brought an unexpected and startling record: India failed to win a single ODI match throughout the year. This may sound unbelievable, but it is entirely true.
India participated in just one ODI series this year, and the results were underwhelming. The three-match series, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in August 2024, saw India lose two matches and tie one under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. Let’s delve into India’s challenging ODI journey this year:
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Match 1: India vs. Sri Lanka (August 2, 2024)
The first match of the series ended in a dramatic tie. Batting first, Sri Lanka scored 230/8 in their 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka contributed a solid 56 runs, while Dunith Wellalage played a critical unbeaten innings of 67 runs.
India’s response faltered as they were bowled out for 230 in 47.5 overs. Despite a valiant 58-run knock by captain Rohit Sharma and a 33-run contribution by Axar Patel, India lost their last two wickets at the same score, leaving the match tied.
Match 2: India vs. Sri Lanka (August 4, 2024)
Sri Lanka batted first and posted a competitive 240/9. Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis each scored 40 runs, while Washington Sundar picked up 3 wickets for India.
In reply, India managed just 208 runs in 42.2 overs. Rohit Sharma again led from the front with a brisk 64 off 44 balls, supported by Axar Patel’s 44. However, Sri Lanka’s Jeffrey Vandersay (6 wickets) and Charith Asalanka (3 wickets) proved too much for India, leading the hosts to a 32-run victory.
Match 3: India vs. Sri Lanka (August 7, 2024)
With the series on the line, India needed a win to level the series, but Sri Lanka dominated once again. Batting first, they scored 248/7, powered by Avishka Fernando’s 96 and Kusal Mendis’s 59. Riyan Parag impressed with 3 wickets for India.
India’s chase fell apart as they were bundled out for a mere 138 in 26.1 overs. Rohit Sharma top-scored with 35, but Dunith Wellalage’s five-wicket haul handed India a crushing 110-run defeat, sealing the series 2-0 in Sri Lanka’s favor.
A Rare ODI Drought
This marked only the fourth time in cricket history that India failed to win an ODI match in an entire calendar year, with previous instances occurring in 1974, 1976, and 1979.
Despite India’s success in T20 cricket this year, the ODI format exposed significant weaknesses that need addressing before the next World Cup cycle. The question now remains: can India bounce back in ODIs and reclaim their dominance?
