It looks like captain Rohit Sharma was still in T20 World Cup triumph hangover, when he led India in the first ODI against a spirited Sri Lanka at R. Premdasa Stadium Yesterday. His casual and lazy approach in the first innings – giving ball to Shubman Gill and allow Sri Lanka middle order to build partnerships – were uncharacteristic! Match was tied, but morally India lost the match, against a team who was without it’s five front line bowlers!
Skipper Rohit Sharma played on a different ‘track’ from his other colleagues, who were thoroughly exposed against quality spin bowling as Sri Lanka managed to eke out a tie against India in a low-scoring but thrilling opening ODI.
In a chase of 231, Rohit smashed 58 off 47 balls on a rank turner with variable bounce, taking his team to 71 in 10 overs but all the other batters never looked comfortable against an army of Lankan spinners as skipper Charith Asalanka got wickets off back-to-back deliveries to play his part in the 44th tie in the history of ODI cricket.
When Shivam Dube (25) hit those two sixes and a boundary through the extra cover to tie the scores, it seemed like Sri Lanka’s woes would continue, but Asalanka took it upon himself to at least earn a psychological win for the home team.
Especially, Asalanka’s astute captaincy – using available bowling resources with perfection and never giving up attitude – was remarkable against a far superior side. Realizing that debutant Mohamed Shiraz is not upto the mark, Asalanka Introduced himself and how! He troubled India batters throughout, especially to Axar Patel, who ended up playing a test Innings in an ODI! His decision to bowl himself in the fateful over Instead of Dunith Wellalage also turned out a masterstroke, as he first trapped Shivam Dube, followed by Arshdeep Singh, who, In a brain fade moment, tried to play a glory shot, Ignoring that 14 balls were still there to run a mere single!
KL Rahul played his typical waiting game, for which he has become notorious now. It sometimes works against below par bowling attack, but not against quality spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga, Akila Dhananjay.
Going In to the next two ODIs, India can expect Sri Lanka to unearth more spin options against them. Since 2019, India batters have largely been vulnerable against spinners, even stalwarts like Rohit and Virat Kohli.
For Sri Lanka, it could be new beginning, If they continue fighting till very last and putting decent totals.
