India might consider implementing a 'horses-for-courses' strategy following their inability to handle spin-friendly conditions, resulting in their first ODI series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years. The Sri Lankan team capitalized on the conditions, with their spinners perplexing Indian batsmen on slow, turning pitches and securing a 2-0 victory in the three-match ODI series after a 110-run defeat in the final game.
"I don't see there is a lack of effort in how we want to try and play different shots. You saw some of these guys played reverse sweep, paddle and all that — that is not the nature of their batsmanship," Rohit Sharma told the media after his team was dismissed for 138 while chasing 249 in the third ODI on Wednesday.
"We need to be very clear about our approach and how to maintain that momentum in such conditions. We fell short now, three times, including in that tied first game," Rohit added. "We must communicate clearly to the players what is expected and if we need to make different personnel choices, we should. We'll work on adapting to all kinds of conditions."
Rohit remarked that the Indian batsmen lacked consistent bravery and did not have individual strategies for handling spin. "When I say brave, it doesn't mean that the guys were not brave enough. You got to be brave enough consistently. You got to be brave enough on slightly challenging pitches where you are trying to take on the bowlers, trying to play different shots. Again, it all comes down to individual plans," he said.
"Everyone needs to understand that this is my plan and this is how I am going to play. If that pitch suits your plan, good enough. Try and take them on. If it doesn't, then what are the options? Come down the track, push for a single and all that kind of things. The basics of batsmanship on slow pitches…"
Regarding Sri Lankan batters, Rohit noted, "They were very consistent with their sweeps. They were taking their chances of playing that sweep shot. Not a lot of runs were scored down the ground." He contrasted this with India's performance, saying, "They didn't use their feet as much as we were expecting them to do. It was basically sweeping the ball and piercing that deep square leg and deep mid-wicket fielder and that is something we failed to do as a batting unit."
Rohit acknowledged that self-belief might have been lacking among the Indian batsmen, despite their experience with slow pitches. "All of us have actually grown up playing on slow pitches. We have not grown up on playing in pitches which has bounce and all of that. Pitches have turned and have been slow,” he said. “But it's all about having that own plan and believing that your plan is quite good enough to come out on top on pitches like that. Again, I don't want to be critical because whenever I have asked them to do different things they have come up and done different things."
He also mentioned that a deep analysis of the loss was unnecessary at this point. "Things like this can happen. It won't be ideal to look deep into this. It's important to stay calm and give them that confidence, give them that understanding that this is what is required," Rohit stated.
Rohit, who scored 58, 64, and 35 in the series, explained his aggressive approach at the top of the order. "I felt that the runs that will be made in power play will be very important so as a batsman, you have to take those chances. I took those chances whenever I felt that I can put pressure on the bowler. Whatever runs you make from the top, the team benefits in the next 40 overs."
He added, "You can take your time, you can see the pitch, conditions, you can see how the ball is spinning, at what pace it is coming. My personal effort was that I will make as many runs as I can in power play. It wasn't that I wanted to get out after power play. I had to play with the same momentum, with the same intent. Unfortunately, I got out. But my plan and my game plan and the way I see my batting is very simple and straightforward."
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