Rohit Sharma Criticizes India Batting Approach After Series Defeat to Sri Lanka

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Rohit Sharma Criticizes India Batting Approach After Series Defeat to Sri Lanka

Rohit Sharma expressed his disappointment with India’s batting performance against Sri Lanka, particularly their struggle against spin. In the third ODI held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 7, 2024, India suffered a heavy 110-run defeat, marking the end of a disappointing series where they lost 2-0. The Men in Blue were tasked with chasing down a target of 249, but their batting lineup crumbled, resulting in them being bowled out for just 138 in 26.1 overs.

Sharma highlighted the clever batting strategy employed by Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando, who both effectively manipulated the field by utilizing sweeps, paddle sweeps, and reverse sweeps. Fernando came close to a century with 96 runs, while Mendis contributed 59, and together they formed a crucial 82-run partnership for the second wicket. Their approach laid a solid foundation for Sri Lanka, ultimately helping them secure the series.

Sharma noted that the Sri Lankan batsmen didn’t score many runs down the ground, instead focusing on using sweeps to target gaps in the field at deep square leg and midwicket. He pointed out that India’s batting unit failed to replicate this strategy, which was a significant factor in their downfall. According to Sharma, India’s batsmen didn’t play enough sweeps or reverse sweeps and relied too heavily on using their feet to counter the spinners, which didn’t prove to be effective.

Reflecting on the performances of Mendis and Fernando, Sharma acknowledged that they scored a lot of their runs square of the wicket, skillfully using the turn and keeping the fielders on the move. Their smart batting contrasted with India’s approach, which lacked the same level of strategic thinking.

India’s struggles against spin were a recurring theme throughout the series. In the second ODI, Jeffrey Vandersay took six wickets, while in the third match, Dunith Wellalage tore through India’s lineup with a five-wicket haul. Sharma admitted that India failed to dominate against spin, a crucial element on such wickets. The consistent pressure applied by Sri Lanka’s spinners in all three games made it difficult for India to establish themselves.

Throughout the series, India was consistently asked to chase targets, and they faltered each time. The first ODI ended in a tie, but India couldn’t recover in the subsequent matches, leading to a rare series loss to Sri Lanka. This marked the first time in 27 years that India lost an ODI series to their southern neighbors.

The defeat not only raised concerns about India’s ability to handle spin on turning tracks but also exposed vulnerabilities in their batting strategy. Sri Lanka’s spinners, supported by disciplined fielding, managed to keep the Indian batsmen under constant pressure, and India’s inability to adapt cost them dearly.

The series loss serves as a wake-up call for India as they prepare for future challenges. Sharma’s remarks suggest that there will be a thorough assessment of where things went wrong, particularly in terms of dealing with spin. The team will need to refine their approach and develop more effective strategies to counter spinners, especially on pitches that favor turn.

Overall, India’s performance in the series was disappointing, with the team unable to match the smart and calculated play of their Sri Lankan counterparts. As they move forward, India will need to address these shortcomings to regain their form and avoid similar defeats in the future.

 

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