Rohit Sharma returned to runs as he managed to smash his second half-century on the bounce, leading the Indian contingent from the front. He started the Indian innings on a high and provided a five-star flourish as he finished with a knock of 83 from 67 balls.
Not only was he phenomenal with the bat but his captaincy skills were equally brilliant as India had already managed to peg Sri Lanka back quite ahead of the final finish line and despite a late flourish from Dasun Shanaka, India secured the bragging rights comfortably.
Talking on the post-match presser, Rohit talked in detail about his entire team’s approach and also shed some light on the ‘Mankad’ incident of Dasun Shanaka on 98 where the Indian skipper was seen withdrawing his appeal after Shami clipped the stumps at the non-striker’s end.
Rohit said, “We started off really well and to get that total was a great effort from all the batters. The platform was set to come out and play freely. I thought we could’ve bowled slightly better, but don’t want to be too critical of it although the dew was not so much.”
He further talked about India’s bowling unit, stating, “We bowled well as a unit and if you want to win games like this, everyone has to come to the party. There are some areas we need to look at as a group and again it’s a team sport.” Sharma eventually opened up on the ‘mankading incident of Dasun Shanaka, stating, “No, I mean I had no idea Shami did that. Again, he’s batting on 98 and the way he batted was brilliant. Cannot get him out like that and wanted to get him out the way we wanted to get him out. Hats off to him.”
