1st ODI performance an eye-opener for us: Rohit Sharma
Indian batsmen came a cropper under pace-friendly conditions, prompting captain Rohit Sharma to say that the forgettable performance against Sri Lanka in the first ODI is an eye-opener for the home team.
We were not up to the mark with the bat. 70-80 runs more and it would have been a different ball game. It is important to thrive in these conditions and come out good. It is an eye opener for all of us,” said Rohit at the post-match presentation ceremony here after a seven-wicket loss to Lanka.
India collapsed to 112 all out and Sri Lanka completed the chase in just 20.4 overs. MS Dhoni was the lone Indian batsman who was up to the challenge, hitting a gritty 65.
Rohit said he was not surprised by Dhoni’s effort.
“He knows what to do in these conditions. I was not surprised. Someone batting with him would have made a big difference. There was still something in the pitch when we were bowling, but 112 was not enough runs on the board.”
Asked about his ODI captaincy debut in the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit said: “Not such a great experience. Nobody likes to be on the losing side. We have to focus on the coming back in two games and come as hard as possible.”
