India's Men’s Cricket Team Begins ODI Series Against Sri Lanka with a Win

India, 6 January 2026 — India’s men’s cricket team commenced their One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka with a victory in the first match held in Guwahati on Thursday. The hosts secured a 67-run win, setting a strong tone for the three-match series.

The match saw Indian opener Rohit Sharma leading from the front with a commanding century, supported by a half-century from Virat Kohli. India posted a formidable total of 373 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs.

Sri Lanka, in response, struggled to keep up with the required run rate, eventually being bowled out for 306. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami was instrumental in restricting the visitors, taking three crucial wickets.

This victory gives India an early advantage in the series as they look to build momentum ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup later this year. The second ODI will be played in Kolkata on Sunday.

The ongoing series is part of India’s preparations to fine-tune their lineup and strategy for the upcoming major tournaments, making each match critical for player assessments and team cohesion.