(Source X)
Ahead of the pivotal third ODI against Sri Lanka on August 7, Indian captain Rohit Sharma was seen adding a touch of his signature charm to the day. With India trailing 1-0 in the three-match series following a 32-run loss in the second ODI, all attention is on the final game in Colombo.
A video circulating on social media captures Rohit’s playful side. The clip, shared widely by fans, shows the Indian opener displaying his trademark relaxed demeanor and sense of humor during Team Indiaโs training session. In the video, Rohit engages in a lighthearted interaction with a Sri Lankan ground staff member, making cheeky gestures and sharing humorous exchanges as he heads back to the dressing room. This amusing moment offered a welcome break from the intense preparations for the crucial match.
Watch the Video-ย
Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is gearing up to face Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI, aiming to salvage their pride after a 32-run defeat in the second ODI and a tie in the first match, all played in Colombo.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir and his support staff, is under significant pressure. The recent changes to the batting order have not yielded the desired results, with the team struggling to secure victories despite being in favorable positions.
When you lose a game, everything hurts: Rohit Sharma
The Indian captain had said in the post-match presentation ceremony after losing the 2ndย ODI: โWhen you lose a game, everything hurts. It’s not just about those 10 overs (when India lost six wickets for 50 runs). You have to play consistent cricket, and we failed to do that. Little disappointed, but these things happen. We weren’t good enough. Don’t want to look too much into how we played. But there’ll be talks about our batting in the middle overs.โ
Now, Rohit Sharma and his team are focused on preventing their first series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years. India last faced a bilateral ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka in 1997, when Arjuna Ranatunga’s team defeated the Sachin Tendulkar-led Indian side 3-0.
In their 170 ODI encounters so far, India has won 99 matches, while Sri Lanka has secured 58 victories, with 2 ties and 11 matches ending without a result. As Sri Lanka seeks a historic ODI series win, India is determined to avoid a series defeat.
Squads:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel.
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.
