(Source X)
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami examined the team’s ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka, acknowledging that the Indian batsmen seemed out of their depth when facing the spinners. The third match saw India endure a heavy 110-run defeat, marking their first series loss to Sri Lanka since 1997, as they were beaten 2-0 in the series.
The Indian team’s defeat can be largely attributed to their poor batting performance. The side struggled significantly against Sri Lankan spinners, with wickets tumbling rapidly as the batsmen became increasingly frustrated and stagnant on the crease.
Captain Rohit Sharma contributed a quick 35 at the start, but his dismissal led to a swift collapse. The Indian batters struggled to find their rhythm against the spinners, resulting in the team being bowled out for just 138 runs, ultimately losing the match by 110 runs.
Mohammed Shami acknowledged that the departure of Rohit Sharma marked the beginning of India’s downfall, as the middle order failed to adapt. He noted that Sri Lanka capitalized on the conditions effectively, which led to their victory. Shami shared these insights in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
“When spin bowling came, they had to face a lot of problems. After Rohit Sharma, no significant batting performance followed. The batsmen kept coming and going. But by the end of the 16th over, they had scored 100 runs but India had lost 7 wickets. In front of this spin, India looked helpless.
“They looked worried. If we talk about Indian batting, in the middle order, the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th batters, no one seemed to be moving. But on the 9th wicket, Washington Sundar, fought a little bit. Sri Lanka tested their home conditions very well. And they played a good series, a home series,” said Mohammed Shami.
Focus on your game. Focus on your skill – Mohammed Shami’s message to Indian batters
Mohammed Shami praised Sri Lanka for their historic achievement but emphasized that the Indian dressing room now faces significant scrutiny. He noted that losses to less formidable teams often spark major controversy. Despite this, Shami stressed the importance of maintaining focus and aiming for a stronger comeback.
“After Rohit Sharma…”- Mohammed Shami attacks Indian batters for not playing well against spinners
“And the series also broke the record of 27 years. And against India, after 27 years, once again, they won the ODI series. Well done Sri Lanka. Congratulations. But if we talk about India, there will be a lot of questions. There will be a lot of topics to talk about.
“But, what I say is that every series is about winning and losing. You focus on your game, you focus on your skills. There is always a series here and there. And when these series are played with small teams, then it becomes the most controversial series. Sometimes, they lose one-sidedly.
“And sometimes, they create a lot of problems. But, no problem. Sri Lanka played well. Well done Sri Lanka. And for India, I would like to say one thing. Focus on your game. Focus on your skills. Well done. Good luck,” he concluded.
