Rohit Sharma criticised India's batting against spin in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, following a heavy 110-run defeat in the third match at R Premadasa Stadium on August 7. Chasing a target of 249, India was bowled out for just 138 in 26.1 overs.
Rohit commended Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando for their effective use of sweeps, paddle sweeps, and reverse sweeps, which contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s innings. Fernando’s 96 and Mendis’ 59 built a solid foundation with an 82-run partnership for the second wicket, leading to a 2-0 series win for Sri Lanka.
“They were smart with their batting, consistently using sweeps and taking their chances. They didn’t score many runs down the ground but used the sweeps to exploit the deep square leg and midwicket areas. We didn’t adapt well, failing to use sweeps and reverse sweeps effectively and relying too much on using our feet. That was a key difference,” Rohit noted after the match.
He also highlighted Sri Lanka’s spinners' dominance, citing Jeffrey Vandersay's six-wicket haul in the second ODI and Dunith Wellalage's five-wicket performance in the third match. “We need to acknowledge our mistakes; we didn’t dominate against spin. On such wickets, you need to take charge, but Sri Lankan spinners kept us under constant pressure throughout the series,” Rohit added.
In all three ODIs, India was asked to bat second and failed to successfully chase the targets, with the first match ending in a tie and losses in the subsequent games.