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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra took issue with Rohit Sharma’s decision to let Shubman Gill bowl during the first ODI against Sri Lanka. Chopra was taken aback by Sharma’s choice to hand the ball to Gill, especially since India was in a commanding position during the match.
Despite sweeping the T20I series with ease, the Indian cricket team struggled to carry their winning form into the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. The first ODI, held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2, ended in a tie.
Rohit Sharma faced criticism for his decision to let Sri Lanka’s lower-order batsmen score freely. At that point, Indian bowlers had already taken five wickets for 101 runs in 26.3 overs. Gill’s over, the 31st, saw Sri Lanka at 114 for five, and he gave away 14 runs, including a six and a four.
India Comes Out To Chase At 230 – Aakash Chopra
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra commented that Shubman Gill’s over shifted the momentum in favor of Sri Lanka. Chopra also noted that the Indian captain appeared to misjudge the situation, assuming Sri Lanka would be bowled out for approximately 150 runs.
“There was a mistake. One mistake was that there was a little momentum shifting. There was an over that was given to Shubhman Gill. In which 14 runs were made. And I was wondering, why are they getting it done? I think India took the foot off the pedal. India said, this is an easy job,” Aakash Chopra said.
“They will get all-out at 150. If not 170, then 190. This team won’t play 50 overs. Anyone with a little bit of patience will learn this first. Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh. In the end, India comes out to chase at 230,” he added.
Despite this, Sri Lanka’s lower-order batsmen—Dunith Wellalage, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Akila Dananjaya—put up a strong fight. Wellalage played a pivotal role, scoring a vital half-century with 67 runs off 65 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. As a result, Sri Lanka concluded their innings at 230-8 after their full quota of 50 overs.
Rohit Sharma Bats At A Super Speed – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra lauded Rohit Sharma for his batting performance, particularly on a difficult pitch. Chopra emphasized Sharma’s skill in accelerating the game and unsettling the opposition’s strategy. He also pointed out that, in contrast, Shubman Gill adopted a more conservative approach during the same match.
“Rohit Sharma. And that’s my second big point. If the pitch looks a little bad and the scoring is a little low, then Rohit Sharma’s batting is worth its weight in 24-carat gold air,” Aakash Chopra further stated.
“What a batting he does. In the beginning, he starts hitting and derailing the plans. He bats at a super speed. He was at 70 at 10. In the beginning, he was hitting the same fours. Shubhman Gill looked like, the same pitch, same bowlers. He’s playing so carefully. And Rohit is playing so openly. He’s got that kind of game.”
