Introduction: sri lanka national cricket team vs india national cricket team stats
When you talk about cricket rivalries in Asia, the battle between India and Sri Lanka stands out as one of the most enduring and entertaining. These two teams have faced off in all formats of the game—Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals—producing some unforgettable moments. From close contests to record-breaking performances, the history between the Indian and Sri Lankan cricket teams is rich and fascinating.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore their head-to-head stats, key performances, off-field hobbies of the top players (or “hibbies” as many call them), and what makes this rivalry special even today.
Table of Contents
India vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Records
Over the decades, India and Sri Lanka have played each other numerous times. Let’s take a look at how they’ve fared across formats.
Test Match Statistics
- Total Matches: 47
- India Wins: 22
- Sri Lanka Wins: 7
- Drawn Matches: 18
India has enjoyed a clear edge in Test cricket, especially when playing on home turf. Sri Lanka has had a few wins, mostly in friendly home conditions.
Memorable Series:
In 2015, India clinched a rare series win in Sri Lanka after a gap of 22 years, a milestone moment under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.
ODI Match Statistics
- Matches Played: 167
- India Wins: 98
- Sri Lanka Wins: 57
- No Result/Tied: 12
The ODI format has seen more balanced competition, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. But since then, India has widened the gap significantly.
Iconic Games:
- 1996 World Cup Semi-final: Sri Lanka beat India in Kolkata in front of a huge crowd and eventually lifted the World Cup.
- 2011 World Cup Final: India got its revenge when MS Dhoni sealed the title with a six against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.
T20I Match Statistics
- Total Games: 29
- India Wins: 20
- Sri Lanka Wins: 9
India has been dominant in T20Is, with several one-sided wins. Consistent batting and spin bowling have been India’s strengths in the shorter format.
Top Batsmen in the Rivalry
Several world-class players have lit up the India-Sri Lanka contests over the years with some brilliant batting displays.
Test Matches
- Rahul Dravid (IND) – 1508 runs
- Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 1352 runs
- Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 1350 runs
ODIs
- Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 3113 runs
- Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) – 2899 runs
- Virat Kohli (IND) – Over 2500 runs (still active)
T20Is
- Virat Kohli (IND) – 400+ runs
- Kusal Perera (SL) – 350+ runs
Leading Wicket-Takers
Some bowlers from both nations have left their mark with exceptional performances.
Tests
- Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) – 105 wickets
- Anil Kumble (IND) – 74 wickets
ODIs
- Muralitharan (SL) – 74 wickets
- Zaheer Khan (IND) – 66 wickets
T20Is
- Yuzvendra Chahal (IND) – 20 wickets
- Lasith Malinga (SL) – 16 wickets
Iconic Matches Over the Years
2011 World Cup Final
India chased down Sri Lanka’s 274 with brilliant knocks from Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni. Dhoni’s famous six to win the match is now part of cricket folklore.
1996 World Cup Semi-final
Held in Kolkata, India’s dramatic collapse led to crowd trouble, and Sri Lanka was awarded the match. They went on to win the World Cup.
2002 Champions Trophy Final
This match ended in a no-result due to rain—twice! Both India and Sri Lanka were declared joint winners.
Hibbies: What These Cricketers Love Off the Field
Beyond cricket, players have personal passions and hobbies that reveal a different side of them. Here’s a look at some “hibbies” or hobbies of popular players from both sides.
Indian Players
Virat Kohli
- Obsessed with fitness and often posts his workouts online.
- Owns a fashion brand and loves trendy outfits.
- Loves spending time with animals, even runs a charity for strays.
MS Dhoni
- A massive motorcycle fan with a garage full of superbikes.
- Enjoys farming and growing vegetables at his Ranchi farmhouse.
- Loves video games—he’s known to play with teammates during tours.
Rohit Sharma
- Passionate about wildlife photography.
- Advocates for rhino conservation.
- Loves watching football and is a Real Madrid fan.
Sri Lankan Players
Kumar Sangakkara
- Has a background in law.
- A golf enthusiast and plays in celebrity tournaments.
- Popular cricket commentator and MCC president.
Lasith Malinga
- Grew up playing beach cricket in Galle.
- Spends most of his free time with his family.
- Mentors young bowlers post-retirement.
Records and Fun Facts
- Highest ODI score by a batsman in this rivalry: Rohit Sharma’s 264 in 2014, which is still a world record.
- Best bowling figures in ODIs: Ashish Nehra’s 6/59 against Sri Lanka in 2005.
- India’s highest ODI total vs Sri Lanka: 414/7 in Rajkot (2009).
- Fastest ODI hundred in this rivalry: Virender Sehwag’s century off 60 balls.
Asia Cup Clashes: Battle for Subcontinental Glory
India and Sri Lanka are two of the most successful teams in Asia Cup history.
- India Titles: 8
- Sri Lanka Titles: 6
They have often met in finals, with the contests being very close and fiercely competitive.
New Faces to Watch
Both countries have a strong batch of young cricketers stepping up in recent years.
India:
- Shubman Gill: Stylish opener with solid technique.
- Tilak Varma: A clean striker of the ball.
- Arshdeep Singh: Left-arm quick who thrives in pressure situations.
Sri Lanka:
- Wanindu Hasaranga: All-rounder with a game-changing leg-spin.
- Pathum Nissanka: A reliable top-order batsman.
- Matheesha Pathirana: Slingy action bowler often compared to Malinga.
Off-the-Field Camaraderie
Despite the on-field rivalry, there’s mutual respect and friendship among Indian and Sri Lankan players.
- Players often interact warmly during IPL and other leagues.
- Legends like Dhoni and Sangakkara have shared memorable moments both on and off the field.
- Cultural and historical ties between the two nations add warmth to their relationship.
The Road Ahead
India and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup. With both sides blending experienced campaigners and young talent, the rivalry is likely to remain thrilling and unpredictable.
Final Words
The cricket rivalry between India and Sri Lanka is much more than just numbers or stats. It’s built on decades of intense matches, unforgettable performances, and emotional moments. While India has had the upper hand in recent years, Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit always keeps the contests competitive.
From record-breaking knocks to friendly banter off the field, this rivalry showcases the best of sportsmanship and passion. Whether it’s a high-stakes World Cup game or a quiet bilateral series, when India plays Sri Lanka, fans always know they’re in for a good show.
