Rohit Sharma accused of complacency in Shubman Gill moment after India's tie with Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra criticized captain Rohit Sharma's decision to hand the ball to Shubman Gill during the first ODI match against Sri Lanka. Aakash Chopra expressed surprise at Rohit Sharma’s choice to allow Shubman Gill to bowl despite India being in a strong position in the recent ODI match.

After cleanly sweeping the three-match T20I series, the India national cricket team failed to maintain their winning momentum in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The first ODI of the series between India and Sri Lanka ended in a tie at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2.

Rohit Sharma came under fire after allowing Sri Lanka's lower-order batters to score runs in the recent match. The Indian bowlers had taken five wickets for 101 runs in 26.3 overs. Gill bowled the 31st over when Sri Lanka was struggling at 114 for five. He conceded 14 runs, including a six and a four, in his over.

India Comes Out To Chase At 230 - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Shubman Gill over-shifted the momentum towards Sri Lanka. Chopra added that the Indian captain underestimated the situation, expecting Sri Lanka to be dismissed for around 150 runs.

"There was a mistake. One mistake was that there was a little momentum shifting. There was an over that was given to Shubhman Gill. In which 14 runs were made. And I was wondering, why are they getting it done? I think India took the foot off the pedal. India said, this is an easy job," Aakash Chopra said.

"They will get all-out at 150. If not 170, then 190. This team won't play 50 overs. Anyone with a little bit of patience will learn this first. Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh. In the end, India comes out to chase at 230," he added.

However, Sri Lanka's lower-order batters, Dunith Wellalage, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Akila Dananjaya, showed resistance with the bat. Wellalage scored a crucial half-century, amassing 67 runs off 65 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes. They ended their innings at 230-8 in the allotted 50 overs.

Rohit Sharma Bats At A Super Speed - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra praised Rohit Sharma for his batting, especially on a challenging pitch. Chopra highlighted Sharma's ability to accelerate play and disrupt the opposition's plans. He noted that Shubman Gill played with a more cautious approach during the same match.

"Rohit Sharma. And that's my second big point. If the pitch looks a little bad and the scoring is a little low, then Rohit Sharma's batting is worth its weight in 24-carat gold air," Aakash Chopra further stated.

"What a batting he does. In the beginning, he starts hitting and derailing the plans. He bats at a super speed. He was at 70 at 10. In the beginning, he was hitting the same fours. Shubhman Gill looked like, the same pitch, same bowlers. He's playing so carefully. And Rohit is playing so openly. He's got that kind of game."

Also read: Watch: Jack Leach takes a stunning diving catch in Somerset's win over Lancashire