Disappointed Rohit Sharma says batters need to seriously look at plans against spin

NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma urged Indian batters to reassess their individual plans against spin bowling after a heavy and humiliating 110-run defeat in the third ODI that resulted in India's first series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years.
India was bowled out for 138 in 26.1 overs while chasing a target of 249, with Sri Lankan spinners Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay causing significant damage.
"I don't think it's a concern, but it's something we need to look at seriously — our individual game plans — and it's something (that) we were definitely put under pressure within this series,” Rohit told the broadcaster when asked about India's struggles against spin.
While acknowledging the disappointment, Rohit stressed that the series loss is not catastrophic but it highlight areas that need improvement.
"Series loss doesn't mean the end of the world. These guys have been playing very well over the past few years; very consistent. You will lose the odd series,” Rohit said.
"We lost the series and I feel there are a lot of areas we need to look at rather than the positives. We need to go back and look at what we need to do when we come up against conditions like this,” he added.
Rohit, who recently led India to a T20 World Cup victory, dismissed suggestions of complacency during the series against Sri Lanka.
"No, it's a joke. When you're playing for India, there's no complacency," Rohit said.
The Indian team captain admitted that their performance throughout the series was not up to the mark.
"We didn't play good cricket through the series and that is why we stand here. Throughout, there were a few positives too. How the spinners bowled, some of the batters in the middle as well," he said.
According to Rohit, the toss was a critical factor in the ODI series. Sri Lanka first managed to tie the opener after then restricted India in the second game to win it by 32 runs.
"We have to give credit where credit is due. Sri Lanka played better than us. We looked at the conditions and wanted to take pace off the ball, and that's why we went with our combination,” Rohit said.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka admitted he was ‘happy' after leading his under-fire side to a series win over India.
"I'm a happy captain right now and I think the team did all the things well throughout the series. We all knew they were a very strong batting line-up and we just wanted to back our strength, which is spin bowling," he said.
"We are in a really good mood right now, especially our coach (Sanath Jayasuriya). He made a few changes in the team and the boys really enjoyed the team environment."