Following India’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has hinted at potential personnel changes to ensure the team remains competitive across all conditions. The series defeat marked India’s first bilateral ODI series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years, with the Indian batters struggling against the slower bowlers.
Rohit acknowledged the need for a review of the team’s approach, stating, “Somewhere, we need to think about what we can do and which players should be given opportunities on such wickets.” He emphasized the importance of consistent team selection, noting that providing players with limited opportunities makes it challenging to adapt to such challenging pitches.
“We have to be clear about how we want to play and how to keep the momentum towards us while playing on pitches like these,” Rohit added, indicating a comprehensive review of the team’s strategy is underway. “We fell short thrice. Even the game that ended in a tie, we should’ve finished that game. In the last two games we played, we knew where the problems were. We have to talk about it and let the players know what we want. If we have to be a little different in choosing the personnel, unfortunately, we have to do that. We will try to see how we can be a good team in all kinds of conditions, not just on good or seaming pitches but also on pitches that turn a bit. We must see what we must do as a team, as a batting unit.”
Rohit further criticized the Indian batters’ lack of aggression and strategic planning against the Sri Lankan spinners, who claimed 27 of the 30 wickets in the series. “I don’t think we were brave enough throughout the series to put them under some pressure. That’s why we were slightly left behind. On these slow pitches where some balls are turning and some are not, you have to go in with a game plan. At the same time, you also need to play your shots. If you think you will defend all six balls, it may not be possible on such a pitch,” he explained.
The 37-year-old captain also highlighted that the Indian batters, having grown up on similar surfaces, should be well-prepared for such conditions and shouldn’t use them as an excuse for their performance. “It comes down to individual plans. If the pitch suits your plan, take it on. If it isn’t, then what are the options? Come down the track, push for singles and all the basics of batsmanship on slow surfaces. We have grown up on slow pitches. It is about having a plan and believing that is good enough to come out on top on pitches like that.”
Rohit also acknowledged the contrasting approach of the Sri Lankan batters, emphasizing lessons India could learn from their success. “They were consistent with sweeps, taking their chances. Not a lot of runs were scored down the ground. It was about using sweeps and piercing that deep square-leg and midwicket field. That is something we failed to do as a batting unit. We didn’t play enough sweeps, reverse sweeps or paddle and didn’t use our feet much. That was the difference,” Rohit concluded.
