(From left to right) Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar© AFP
The Indian cricket team suffered a shocking series defeat on Sri Lankan soil for the first time in 27 years after the Rohit Sharma-led team suffered a resounding defeat in their third ODI match on Wednesday. Despite chasing a target of 249 points, they were completely outplayed for 138. It was a stunning result for new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had not won a single ODI in his first assignment in the format. Former Pakistan cricket team star Tanvir Ahmed took to social media to criticise Rohit and co. after the shocking defeat. “A gift to Gautam Gambhir from team India for losing the ODI series,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
India team ka ODI series harney ka gift Gautham Ghambir
– Tanveer says (@ImTanveerA) 7 August 2024
He also posted a picture of Sri Lanka’s interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka on social media after the series win along with the caption – “Next time we will ask India to bring a better team.”
Next time India Walon Ko Bolain Gay Achi Team Ley Kar Anapic.twitter.com/wFUUfa6TFn
– Tanveer says (@ImTanveerA) 7 August 2024
After India’s ODI series ended in a 2-0 defeat to Sri Lanka, captain Rohit Sharma said he never intended to throw away his wicket in the powerplay overs and said his plan was to score as many runs as possible.
Rohit was India’s best batsman in the series, scoring 157 runs, including two half-centuries, at a strike rate of 141.44 in three matches while continuing to play an attacking style of powerplay batting. But that did not help India win the series as the rest of the batsmen succumbed to the Sri Lankan spinners.
“I knew that the runs scored during the powerplay would be crucial. I knew that after that the wickets would slow down a bit, the ball would spin a bit and the pitch would even stretch. When there are only two fielders outside the crease, we have to take our chances.”
“I took those chances whenever I felt I could put the bowler under pressure. Any runs you score beyond that will benefit the team when they play the remaining 40 overs. My personal effort was to make sure I scored as many runs as possible.”
“It wasn’t that I wanted to throw away my wicket after the Powerplay. I wanted to maintain the momentum and intent but unfortunately I got dismissed while trying to take some shots. My batting plan is pretty simple and straightforward,” Rohit told reporters at the end of the tour.
(With IANS inputs)
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