(Source X)
India’s ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, has spoken about the possibility of taking up bowling duties in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. However, Sharma emphasized that his primary focus will be on his batting, given the team’s ample options in the bowling department.
The first ODI of the three-match series is currently underway at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with India and Sri Lanka locking horns. This match marks a significant moment as it sees the return of key players, including Rohit Sharma, who is back in action following his T20 World Cup triumph with India in June. Having retired from T20 Internationals, Sharma is now concentrating on ODIs and Test cricket, with today’s game being his first since the T20 World Cup.
Additionally, this game signifies Gautam Gambhir’s debut as the head coach for India, following his coaching debut during the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka. The approach he has implemented as a coach was evident during the T20Is, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds in this series.
At the toss, Rohit Sharma noted that he lost the toss and the team was asked to field first. He reflected on the positives from India’s performance in the ICC World Cup 2023, despite not securing the title, and highlighted the strength of the current squad.
“Good pitch. We have played a lot of cricket here and know the conditions. There have been a lot of changes; I am back, and so are Virat, KL and Shreyas Iyer. Kuldeep also comes back in. Dube is also playing. We have a pretty decent balance. We had a great World Cup, we didn’t cross the finishing line but there were a lot of positives.”
Not really, I will focus on my batting – Rohit Sharma on whether he will bowl
In the recent T20I series, India utilized their batsmen for occasional bowling duties, and a similar strategy might be employed in the ongoing ODI series. With key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer in the lineup, it’s plausible that they could contribute with the ball at times.
Nevertheless, Rohit Sharma, the team’s captain, has clarified that he will not be among those bowling. His primary focus will remain on his batting. Sharma emphasized that the squad is well-equipped with bowlers, and he plans to rely on them to handle the bowling responsibilities.
“We have created an atmosphere where guys can come in and play with freedom. Not really (on whether he will bowl), I will focus on my batting. We have enough bowlers in the squad that can roll their arm over.”
Indian XI for the first ODI against Sri Lanka
Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
