(Source X)

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, showcased remarkable performances in the first two ODIs of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, but his efforts were in vain as India failed to secure victories in both matches.

In the series opener, Rohit struck a dynamic 33-ball fifty and formed a solid 75-run partnership with Shubman Gill. Despite this, the rest of the Indian batting lineup faltered, leading to a dramatic tie. India fell just short of the 231-run target, ending their innings at 230. Needing just 1 run with two wickets remaining and more than two overs to spare, Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka dismissed Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh in consecutive deliveries to clinch the game.

The second ODI offered India a chance to take the series lead, especially after a commendable bowling performance restricted Sri Lanka to 240/9. However, the batting issues persisted. Rohit Sharma again led from the front with a quick 29-ball fifty, partnering with Shubman Gill for a 97-run opening stand. Unfortunately, the rest of the Indian middle order failed to capitalize, and the team was dismissed for 208 runs. Sri Lankan bowler Jeffrey Vandersay shone with 6 wickets for 33 runs, sealing another win for his side.

Rohit Sharma breaks MS Dhoni’s record

Despite India’s struggles in the ongoing ODI series, Rohit Sharma has been a standout performer, shining with the bat in both matches. Additionally, the Indian captain has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing MS Dhoni’s record as the oldest player to lead India in ODIs or white-ball cricket.

Rohit set this new benchmark during the first ODI of the series against Sri Lanka. Dhoni, who stepped down as captain in early 2017 but led India against Afghanistan in the 2018 Asia Cup, was 37 years and 80 days old at that time. Rohit, however, was 37 years and 94 days old when he captained the Indian team in the series opener against Sri Lanka, thus surpassing Dhoni’s record.