(Credit IG)

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has heavily criticized India’s batting approach following their 32-run loss to Sri Lanka in the second ODI on August 4 in Colombo. Butt was particularly harsh on India’s top-order batsmen, including Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, highlighting their difficulties against spin bowling.

Butt also identified a critical mistake by captain Rohit Sharma during the defeat. Despite Sharma’s strong performance, scoring 64 runs, Butt labeled his reckless shot while the team was struggling against Sri Lankan spinners as a decisive error that contributed to India’s downfall.

Salman Butt criticizes Rohit Sharma’s reckless shot following India’s loss to Sri Lanka in the second ODI.

Salman Butt criticized Rohit Sharma’s decision to attempt a high-risk reverse sweep against Jeffrey Vandersay, which led to his dismissal at backward point by Pathum Nissanka. Butt argued that Sharma’s audacious shot was unnecessary, especially with a manageable target of 143 runs and 10 wickets in hand.

The former Pakistan captain expressed astonishment at Sharma’s lack of prudence, particularly as India’s batting lineup had been struggling against spin. Butt pointed out that the situation called for a cautious approach rather than a flamboyant T20-style shot. He noted that the Indian skipper’s ill-advised shot disrupted the chase and left the team in a precarious position.

Butt also raised concerns about India’s top-order’s recurring vulnerability to spin and their failure to capitalize on advantageous positions.

Rohit Sharma should have finished the game for Team India: Salman Butt

Salman Butt said on his YouTube channel: “The thing is that in India’s recent history, spinners are not in control of what it used to be. And India’s top players are struggling against the spinners. And if there was one person who was really in control of this match and who could have finished the game, it was their captain, Rohit Sharma.

And after making 64 runs, the shot he played, knowing that his team’s batting is struggling, if you look at the last one or two matches, then they are not playing so well against spin. And because Rohit Sharma is in very good form. And there was no need to be selfless here.”

Butt noted that the target was relatively modest, with India already scoring 97 runs in 13 overs and needing just 143 more runs with all 10 wickets intact to secure victory.  He continued, “So, I don’t think there was any such bowling of Sri Lanka that India’s batting could not score these runs. So, I think the rest of the players didn’t understand what happened.

But the shot that Rohit hit, I think if it was a T20I match or if there was a big target, then it’s fine. But initially, getting through a tough period, scoring runs, having a good partnership, and starting your own, then why has he not batted long and finished the game?”