India’s Struggles Against Sri Lanka Highlighted by Spin Woes: Rohit Sharma’s Reflections

The 2024 tour of Sri Lanka proved challenging for India’s cricket team, particularly its pace bowlers. Mohammed Siraj, known for his impactful performances against Sri Lanka, found little success this time around. Despite bowling effectively in conditions unfavorable for pace, Siraj managed only three wickets in three games. His aggressive demeanor on the field seemed out of place given the overall underwhelming performance of the Indian pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando, the sole pacer in their attack, faced similar challenges. Although he displayed aggressive intent against Virat Kohli, his efforts were part of a broader struggle for fast bowlers in this series.

Instead, the series was dominated by spinners, who collectively took 44 wickets across three games, leading Sri Lanka to a commanding 110-run victory in the final ODI.

India’s batting woes were glaring, particularly in handling spin during the middle overs and powerplay. The third ODI saw their chase falter early, with eight of the batters succumbing to spin via leg before, bowled, or stumped. Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “We all know what the issues are, no point digging deep.”

Sharma stood out as India’s most consistent batter, top-scoring in all three games. His success came from exploiting the field restrictions and playing aggressively against spinners in the powerplay. However, as the ball softened and conditions became tougher, the Indian batters’ limitations were exposed.

“We were not brave enough,” Says Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma

Reflecting on the series, Sharma noted, “It is important to take on the bowlers on such pitches, where the ball is turning and it is tough to score. It is important to be a bit brave. I don’t think we were brave enough throughout the series to put them under a little bit of pressure.”

The team’s struggles against spin prompted a meeting among the batters, but the issues persisted. Sharma emphasized the need for a clear game plan and individual strategies to combat spin. “On these wickets, where the pitch is slow, where some balls are turning and some are not, you have to go in with a game plan,” he said. He stressed the importance of not just defending but also playing proactive shots to counter the spinners.

The Indian captain also pointed out the lack of consistency and opportunities for players in handling such challenging conditions. “When you’re playing on such challenging pitches, it is also important to have consistency in your team selection,” he explained. “If you give players only one or two opportunities, it isn’t easy for them to manage such situations.”

India’s inability to use their feet against spinners, an essential skill for batting on slow, turning pitches, was a significant factor in their downfall. Sharma remarked, “Playing spin against slow bowlers on slow pitches shouldn’t be the excuse for us. We all play on these kinds of pitches. It is about having game plans and being clear with your plans.”

Sharma also noted the contrasting approach of Sri Lankan batters, who effectively used sweeps and other shots to counter India’s spinners. “They were consistent with sweeps, taking their chances. They were smart with how they batted, and we were not,” he said, highlighting the difference in strategy.

Despite the disappointing series, Sharma remained hopeful, emphasizing the need for clear plans and better execution in future matches on similar pitches. “It is important to stay calm and give them confidence, give them the understanding that this is what is required,” he concluded.

The series ended on a winless note for India, raising more questions than answers. As they prepare for future challenges, addressing their spin struggles will be crucial for their success in varied conditions.