India vs Sri Lanka first ODI shifted from Delhi to Visakhapatnam for Virat Kohli

A significant change has been announced for the upcoming three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka scheduled for December 2026. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that the first ODI, originally slated for December 13, will no longer be held in Delhi. Instead, the match has been shifted to the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

Reasons behind the venue change

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) had requested the BCCI to change the venue due to ongoing renovation work at the stadium, which could hinder the hosting of an international match. Plus, the BCCI cited the prevailing weather conditions in Delhi as a contributing factor for this decision. The shift to Visakhapatnam is aimed at ensuring the best possible conditions for both the players and the spectators.

Virat Kohli's exceptional record in Visakhapatnam

The shift to Visakhapatnam has brought joy to fans of Virat Kohli, given his phenomenal track record at this venue, while 66. During these appearances, he has scored 3 centuries and 3 half-centuries. These statistics highlight his dominance at this ground, making him a key player to watch in the opening encounter.

Full schedule of India vs Sri Lanka series

According to the revised schedule released by the BCCI, the series will proceed as follows:

• First ODI: December 13 in Visakhapatnam at 2 PM.
• Second ODI: December 16 in Bengaluru at 2 PM.
• Third ODI: December 19 in Ahmedabad at 2 PM.
• First T20: December 22 in Rajkot at 7 PM.
• Second T20: December 24 in Cuttack at 7 PM.
• Third T20: December 27 in Pune at 7 PM.

This series is highly anticipated, and the move to Visakhapatnam adds an extra layer of excitement, especially with Virat Kohli's history of scoring heavily at this specific stadium.