(Aug 08), After losing an ODI series to Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years, Rohit Sharma dismissed talk of “complacency” within the Indian team and referred to the inquiry as a “joke.”
The third and final One-Day International (ODI) between Team India and Sri Lanka ended in a crushing 110-run loss that cost them the series 0-2 runs. The Sri Lankan spinners, who dominated the series, again proved too much for the Indian batsmen to handle as they bundled India for a meager 138 runs on Tuesday, unable to chase a 249-run target.
In all three of the series’ matches, the Indian batting unit struggled mightily against spin bowling, and captain Rohit Sharma was asked if he thought the team was “complacent” after the game. The skipper, however, dismissed the question as a “joke” and showed evident displeasure.
It’s a jest. There can be no complacency when representing India in sports. That won’t be the case as long as I’m here, Rohit remarked wryly. He continued, though, to compliment the Sri Lankan team on their performance during the match.
However, you must acknowledge excellent cricket. We weren’t as good as Sri Lanka,” the captain remarked.
‘Struggle against spin not a concern’: Rohit Sharma
Additionally, Rohit advised Indian hitters to take a “hard look” at their unique strategies for countering spin bowling.
When asked about India’s difficulties against spin, Rohit responded to the broadcaster, “I don’t think it’s a concern, but it’s something we need to look at seriously—our individual game plans—aand it’s something (that) we were definitely put under pressure within this series.“
The 2023 World Cup finalist has a lot of work ahead of them, according to Rohit, even though the series loss is not the “end of the world.“
The Sri Lankan spinners, especially Wellalage, who took crucial wickets of Rohit, Kohli, Iyer, and Axar in his opening spell before coming back to finish with five wickets, confused the Indian batsmen.
The modest stand that Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav share as India’s greatest partnership serves as a stark reminder of the team’s shortcomings. After 27 years, India lost their first series against Sri Lanka due to spin’s trial.
“Losing a series doesn’t spell disaster. Over the past few years, these guys have been playing exceptionally well and consistently. The odd series is going to be lost, Rohit predicted.
“We didn’t win the series, and I think we should focus on a lot of things instead of just the good things. He continued, “We need to take a step back and consider what we should do in situations like this.
