SL vs IND 2024: ‘I am not afraid to take risks’ - Rohit on ‘playing with intent’ despite shock 2nd ODI loss

Team India was all over Sri Lanka during the first half of the chase (until the 14th over) when they were cruising at 97/0 in the second ODI. However, what transpired after saw the Men in Blue crumble under pressure and got all out on 208, losing the game by 32 runs. The highest run-scorer for India, Captain Rohit, smashed a brilliant 64 off 44 but failed to get his team past the winning line for the second time in two games.

Rohit whacked a 29-ball fifty, hitting four sixes and five fours during his knock. Despite getting out while playing an attacking shot, Rohit refused to compromise on the intent, admitting to playing fearless cricket irrespective of worrying about the result.

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“The reason I got 65 runs is because of the way I batted. When I bat like that, there is bound to be risk-taking, and I'm not afraid to do that. Whenever you get out, whether you score 100, 50 or zero, you feel disappointed if you don't get across the line. But that won't change my intent,” Rohit said in the post-match presser in Colombo.

‘Not good enough’

With the loss, Rohit attained an uncalled-for record of becoming the first Indian captain in more than 25 years not to win an ODI series against Sri Lanka.

However, despite the result in the second One-Dayer, which now sees the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Rohit was honest in his team's assessment and didn’t shy away from admitting it was far from good.

“We didn't play good cricket, that's why we lost the game. We do understand the nature of this surface and the nature of how the game is going to go as well. It gets really, really tough in the middle overs.

“So, you have to try and capitalize in the Powerplay and get as many runs as possible. That's what both openers were trying to do. But we were just not good enough today,” the India captain added.

Meanwhile, for the Indian Team, all-rounder Washington Sundar starred with the ball, picking three wickets in the first innings. In contrast, Jeffrey Vandersay, who replaced Wanindu Hasaranga in the XI, returned with six wickets against India, removing all big guns.

India and Sri Lanka will face off in the final ODI on Wednesday (August 7) in Colombo.

(With inputs from agencies)