India faced a historic setback as they lost an ODI series on Sri Lankan soil for the first time in 27 years. The Rohit Sharma-led side was defeated by 110 runs in the third ODI on Wednesday, sealing a 2-0 series loss against Sri Lanka. Chasing a target of 249, India struggled on a spin-friendly pitch and were bowled out for just 138 runs.

Sri Lankan spinners dominate

The Indian team began the chase positively but soon crumbled under the pressure of Sri Lankan spinners. Dunith Wellalage delivered a remarkable performance, taking five wickets for just 27 runs in 5.1 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma scored 35 runs, and Washington Sundar contributed 30, but their efforts were in vain as India was dismissed in 26.1 overs.

This series loss marks a significant setback for head coach Gautam Gambhir in his first assignment. Despite the defeat, Rohit Sharma maintained a positive outlook, stating that the result is not a major concern and emphasizing that losing the series is not the "end of the world." Earlier, the second ODI saw India lose by 32 runs after the first match ended in a thrilling tie.

Sri Lanka's competitive total

Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 248 for 7, thanks to Avishka Fernando's composed 96 and Kusal Mendis's well-compiled 59. Despite Riyan Parag's impressive debut, where he took three wickets for 54 runs, Sri Lanka managed to build partnerships that set up their victory. Fernando, who faced 102 balls, hit nine fours and two sixes, forming significant partnerships with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

"I don't think it is a concern. But it is something we have to look at individually and as a gameplan. It is a joke. When you are playing for India there is never going to be complacency. When I am captain there is no chance of complacency. But you have to give credit to good cricket. Sri Lanka played better than us. We looked at the conditions and went with the combinations, there also guys who need to be looked at and hence the changes. There are lot of areas we need to look at rather than the positives. These things happen, series lost is not the end of the world, you will lose an odd series here and there but it is about how you come back after the loss," Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

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This series defeat highlights areas for improvement as India looks ahead to future challenges, while Sri Lanka celebrates a hard-fought and historic victory on home soil.