[Watch] "Anna Hari, Meka Hari" - Rohit Sharma encourages Indian bowlers in Sinhala during IND vs SL 3rd ODI
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma was caught on the stump mic blaring out phrases in Sinhala to encourage his bowlers in the ongoing third ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7. It has been a hard afternoon for the bowlers after the Men in Blue were put into bowl first for the third time in a row.
Sri Lanka's top order was comfortable against the Indian bowlers, as Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka put on 89 runs for the first wicket. India came into the contest with an extra spinner in Riyan Parag, but the pitch did not offer much turn, making it difficult for them to have a say in the contest.
Washington Sundar was one of the bowlers introduced into the attack after the powerplay. After bowling three tight overs, he was hit for a boundary in the 16th over of the innings. The very next ball was a close one, which Fernando was forced to defend.
This drew praise from Rohit Sharma who was stationed at slip, saying that this is the right line and length, but expressed it in Sinhala language. He shouted 'Anna Hari, Meka Hari' (That's right, This is right).
Have a look at the Indian skipper being at his eccentric best right here:
The phrase surprised wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who turned around to look at Rohit Sharma before breaking into a laugh.
Rohit Sharma testing out all options in the middle overs as Sri Lanka cruise by with wickets in their hands
Team India are in desperate need of a breakthrough, as the Sri Lankan top order is going quite strong. Although the required rate is not threatening, the hosts still have nine wickets in hand for the second half of the innings. Their lower middle order has already been a menace for India in the series, and with a solid platform, they could make a bigger impact in the series finale.
As of writing, Sri Lanka are placed at 140/1 after 29 overs in the innings. Avishka Fernando is well-settled heading into the 70s, while Kusal Mendis is looking to find his groove.