'We failed to do that & there'll be talks': Rohit Sharma Issues WARNING to Team India after SL loss

Sri Lanka won by 32 runs in a fierce second ODI game against India, leading the series 1-0. Having chosen to bat after winning the toss, Sri Lanka reached 240/9 in 50 overs. Kamindu Mendis's strong 40 runs and Avishka Fernando's well-built 40 runs defined their innings. India battled the spin assault in response, falling short at 208 all out in 42.2 overs and Rohit Sharma scored an amazing 64 runs. With a 6-wicket haul for 33 runs, Jeffrey Vandersay was the game's outstanding performer. His extraordinary performance brought him the rightfully won Player of the Match title. The draw comes after the first ODI ended in a tie, India has no chance as they can only eye a draw if they win in the 3rd and final ODI match against Sri Lanka.

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Rohit Sharma acknowledges his disappointment after 2nd ODI loss to Sri Lanka

Although the Sri Lankan spinners managed to create a thrilling stalemate in the first ODI of the series at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, it was anticipated that India would make a big comeback in the second match on Sunday. Nevertheless, the recurring problems remained as Jeffrey Vandersay's outstanding performance of taking six wickets at the same location shattered India's aspirations, resulting in a 32-run triumph for Sri Lanka and granting them a definitive 1-0 advantage in the series.

Comparable challenges were apparent in Sri Lanka's innings. Sri Lanka, after choosing to bat first, encountered difficulties at 136/6. However, Dunith Wellalage and the lower order players contributed significantly, enabling them to achieve a commendable total of 240/9. Captain Rohit Sharma's dynamic half-century provided India with a formidable start, as he partnered with Shubman Gill to establish a 97-run opening partnership, placing India in a favourable position.

Nevertheless, following Rohit's removal, the Indian batting order struggled against the Sri Lankan spinners. Vandersay played a crucial role, taking six wickets in only 58 deliveries for a total of 50 runs. Axar Patel attempted to restore stability to the innings by scoring 44 runs at a rate of one run per ball. However, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka's swift dismissal of two batsmen ultimately determined India's destiny, as they were bowled out for 208 runs in 42.2 overs.

Rohit Sharma, feeling dejected, aired his worries and cautioned his middle-order batsmen about their recurring collapse. He assured them that the issue will be resolved before the third and final ODI. After the match, Rohit Sharma said: 

"We weren't good enough. Don't want to look too much into how we played. But there'll be talks about our batting in the middle overs," 

"When you lose a game, everything hurts. It's not just about those 10 overs. You have to play consistent cricket and we failed to do that today. Little disappointed but these things happen. You got to adapt what's in front of you."

The final and 3rd ODI will be played on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. This would end Gautam Gambhir’s first white ball series as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. India is anticipated to lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 under his belt.