"There will be talks about our batting in middle overs" - Rohit Sharma reacts after India suffer another collapse in 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka
Team India captain Rohit Sharma has admitted that there will be discussions in the camp about the Men in Blue's batting capitulation in the first two one-dayers against Sri Lanka. India went down to Sri Lanka by 32 runs in the second ODI played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, August 4.
Earlier, India had tied the first ODI with Sri Lanka, also played in Colombo on August 2. In both matches, the Men in Blue suffered shocking batting collapses after getting off to flying starts in gettable chases.
In the first game, India went from 75-0 to 230 all out. On Sunday, they were cruising 117-1 in a chase of 241 but crumbled to 208 all out as Jeffrey Vandersay claimed 6-33.
Reflecting on India's abject batting performance, skipper Rohit admitted that the meltdown in the middle overs will be discussed by the think tank. He said (as quoted by Cricbuzz):
"We weren't good enough. Don't want to look too much into how we played. But there will be talks about our batting in the middle overs."
In Sunday's clash, Rohit top-scored with 66 off 44, while Axar Patel contributed 44 and Shubman Gill 35. However, Virat Kohli (14), Shivam Dube (0), Shreyas Iyer (7) and KL Rahul (0) disappointed.
"When you lose a game, everything hurts. You have to play consistent cricket, and we failed to do that today. Little disappointed, but these things happen. You got to adapt what's in front of you. Credit to Jeffrey, he got six wickets." the Indian captain stated.
While Vandersay, coming in for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga picked up six wickets, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka once again made a crucial contribution, claiming 3-20 with his off-spin.
"Don't want to compromise on my intent" - Rohit reflects on dismissal in 2nd ODI versus Sri Lanka
Chasing 241, India were in a great position at 97-1 in the 14th over. Rohit, though, attempted a reverse sweep off Vandersay and perished to a brilliant diving catch by Pathum Nissanka.
It was all Sri Lanka after that. Despite the wicket proving to be a turning point, the India captain asserted that he would continue to bat with the same aggressive mindset in the upcoming games as well. He pointed out:
"The reason I got 65 (64) is because of the way I batted. When I am batting like that, there are a lot of risks taken. If you don't cross the line, you always feel disappointed. I don't want to compromise on my intent."
Rohit struck five fours and four sixes in his impressive knock on Sunday before being dismissed by Vandersay.