India's morale shaken after 1st ODI tie against Sri Lanka? Rohit Sharma drops a bombshell

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has stated that the national cricket team prepared well for the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka. Rohit Sharma highlighted that the Indian players will play with freedom, despite the series opener against the Sri Lankan national team ending in a tie.

The Men in Blue failed to secure victory in the first ODI despite being in a winning position in Colombo on August 2. The visitors needed just one run with two wickets in hand. Shivam Dube was dismissed by Charith Asalanka, and Arshdeep Singh threw away his wicket by playing an ugly shot off the next ball.

The Rohit Sharma-led team is scheduled to play the second ODI match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, August 4. A win in the upcoming 50-over match will help the team gain a 1-0 lead in the series. The winning team in the second ODI match can't lose the ongoing three-match series.

We Will Have A Good Game - Rohit Sharma

Speaking at the toss in the second ODI, Rohit Sharma highlighted the importance of adapting to conditions and playing freely. He acknowledged that chasing will be tough in these conditions and emphasized the need to stay in the present and not overthink.

"It's okay (on having to chase again). We know what to expect when you chase. We have spoken with the guys on what needs to be done. Hopefully, we will have a good game," Rohit said.

"It has to be. You cannot always go with the same mindset. You have to adjust the conditions that are in front of you. We have spoken about it a lot in the group. Adapt to the conditions and play freely. That's the most important thing (to play with freedom). Don't think too ahead. Stay in the present," he added.

Rohit Sharma said that the Indian team remained unchanged for the second ODI. He noted that both teams had their moments in the first match, and the tie was a fair outcome as neither side consistently dominated the game.

"We are playing with the same team. (On the tie) Not really (a blow to morale). If you sit and analyze the game, both teams competed at different times in the game. A fair result. The result not going any team's way was a fair result," Rohit further added.

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka, on the other hand, opted to bat after winning the toss. The home team made two changes to their lineup. Kamindu Mendis and Jeffrey Vandersay replaced Wanindu Hasaranga and Mohamed Shiraz. Hasaranga was ruled out of the last two matches in the series due to injury.

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay

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