Indian captain Rohit Sharma has assured that the team is well-prepared for the second ODI against Sri Lanka, despite the series opener ending in a tie. Sharma emphasized that the players will approach the match with freedom and confidence.
In the first ODI on August 2 in Colombo, India was in a strong position but failed to secure victory. Needing just one run with two wickets remaining, Shivam Dube was dismissed by Charith Asalanka, and Arshdeep Singh lost his wicket with a poor shot on the next ball.
The second ODI, set for August 4 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, will be crucial. A win will give the Indian team a 1-0 lead in the series, and the team that wins the match will hold the advantage in the three-match series.
We Will Have A Good Game – Rohit Sharma
Speaking at the toss in the second ODI, Rohit Sharma highlighted the importance of adapting to conditions and playing freely. He acknowledged that chasing will be tough in these conditions and emphasized the need to stay in the present and not overthink.
“It’s okay (on having to chase again). We know what to expect when you chase. We have spoken with the guys on what needs to be done. Hopefully, we will have a good game,” Rohit said.
“It has to be. You cannot always go with the same mindset. You have to adjust the conditions that are in front of you. We have spoken about it a lot in the group. Adapt to the conditions and play freely. That’s the most important thing (to play with freedom). Don’t think too ahead. Stay in the present,” he added.
Rohit Sharma said that the Indian team remained unchanged for the second ODI. He noted that both teams had their moments in the first match, and the tie was a fair outcome as neither side consistently dominated the game.
“We are playing with the same team. (On the tie) Not really (a blow to morale). If you sit and analyze the game, both teams competed at different times in the game. A fair result. The result not going any team’s way was a fair result,” Rohit further added.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka chose to bat first after winning the toss. The Sri Lankan side made two adjustments to their lineup: Kamindu Mendis and Jeffrey Vandersay came in for Wanindu Hasaranga and Mohamed Shiraz. Hasaranga is unavailable for the remainder of the series due to an injury.
India’s lineup: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
Sri Lanka’s lineup: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay
