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India's captain Rohit Sharma has explained his aggressive batting strategy that propelled him to the top of the run-scorers list in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The Mumbai batsman showcased exceptional form throughout the series, consistently contributing with the bat.
Across the three ODIs, Rohit amassed 157 runs at an impressive average of 52.33. However, it was his strike rate of 141.44 that truly grabbed attention. While the captain looked at ease at the crease, his dismissals in all three matches have raised questions about the need for such high-risk shots.
Rohit Sharma Explains His Powerplay Strategy
During the post-match press conference, Rohit Sharma elaborated on his approach to the powerplay overs. The Indian captain clarified that his intention was to accelerate the scoring early in the innings rather than recklessly throwing his wicket away. Rohit emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the fielding restrictions during the powerplay to build a strong foundation for the team.
"My personal effort was to ensure that I score as many runs as I could," Rohit said in the post-series press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "It was not as if I wanted to throw my wicket away after the powerplay," Rohit was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
"I wanted to continue the momentum and intent, but I unfortunately got dismissed while trying to play a few shots. My batting plan is pretty simple and straightforward," he added.
Rohit further explained that given the challenging batting conditions in the middle overs, scoring quickly during the powerplay becomes crucial. He emphasised the need to seize opportunities early on and put pressure on the bowlers to set the tone for the innings.
"I knew that the runs that will be scored during the powerplay will be critical. I knew that the wickets will get a little slow after that, the ball will turn a bit and even the field is spread out. When there are only two fielders outside the ring, we had to take our chances," Rohit stated.
"I took those chances whenever I felt that I could put the bowler under pressure. All the runs that you score over and above that, it benefits the team to play the remaining 40 overs," he further added.
Rohit Sharma points out Indian batters' flaws
Rohit Sharma pointed out that the Indian batting lineup could have benefited from employing more sweep shots to disrupt the Sri Lankan bowlers' line and length. He highlighted the Sri Lankan batters' effective use of scoring shots, particularly against the Indian spinners.
"They were consistent with sweeps, taking their chances. There weren't a lot of runs scored down the ground. They didn't use the feet as much as we expected. 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 sweeps, and used our feet too much. That was the difference," Rohit concluded.
Rohit Sharma's Brilliance Couldn't Save India
While Rohit Sharma displayed exceptional form, capitalizing on the powerplay overs with fluent strokeplay against both pace and spin, the rest of the Indian batting lineup struggled to find their footing. In the decisive third ODI, Rohit's blistering 35 runs from just 20 balls provided a promising start. However, the middle order's consistent failures led to India's collapse for a meager 138 runs, resulting in a humiliating 110-run defeat. This victory marked Sri Lanka's first ODI series win over India in 27 years.
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