'Not many captains would do this but...': Sri Lankan legends join fans in awe of Rohit Sharma's Mankad decision

On the back of former India captain Virat Kohli's century, Team India registered an emphatic win in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on January 10 (Tuesday). The Men in Blue defeated the Islanders by 67 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series courtesy of Kohli's 45th ODI ton that propelled the side to a daunting total of 373/7 in 50 overs after Sri Lanka elected to bowl after winning the toss.

Chasing this massive score, Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka scored an unbeaten 108 off 88 balls but his efforts were in vain. During his attractive knock, Shanaka powered through with 12 fours and three sixes to keep his sublime form against India intact.
However, the Sri Lankan captain was lucky to raise his bat after Indian captain Rohit Sharma had a chance to send Shanaka back to the pavilion but opted against it.

The incident took place in the final over of the match, when Mohammed Shami ran in to deliver the fourth ball. Shanaka, stranded on 98 at the non-striker's end, left the crease before Shami delivered the ball. The Indian pacer stopped and mankaded the Sri Lankan captain by dislodging the bail, after which, Shami appealed and the on-field umpire went upstairs.

Rohit then intervened and had a talk with Shami before both decided to withdraw the appeal. His decision was appreciated by some of the biggest names in Sri Lankan cricket, with Angelo Mathews going as far as to say, Not many captains would do this but hats off to Rohit Sharma⁩ for withdrawing the appeal even though the law says so! Displaying great sportsmanship.

He was joined in the accolades by Sanath Jayasuriya.

Fans of the game also appreciated the gesture.

Talking about the incident after the match, Rohit said, “I had no idea Shami did that (run-out), he was batting on 98. The way he batted was brilliant, we cannot get him out like that. Not something that we thought of, hats off to him, he played really well.”

India and Sri Lanka will now lock horns in the second ODI on January 12 (Thursday) at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata.