Former India batsman VVS Laxman said it’s disappointing to see India batsmen, especially captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma, getting out after failing to read the England spinners in the ODI series decider in Pune on Sunday.
Laxman said Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma giving their wickets away to spinners is a cause for concern in white-ball cricket for India, highlighting that India players are known to be good players of spin.
Rohit Sharma was undone by a googly by Adil Rahid for 37. A well-set Rohit failed to read the variation as he was castled in the 15th over. Virat Kohli, who got out to Adil Rashid in the 2nd ODI, was castled by Moeen Ali. Kohli looked to give himself room and play against the turn but missed the delivery completely to see his stumps getting rattled.
Both Kohli and Rohit have been guilty of getting out to spinners often in white-ball cricket in the recent past.
“The dismissal of KL Rahul was really unfortunate but then both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be disappointed when they see their dismissal in the replay. This has almost become a pattern against the spinners,” Laxman told Star Sports.
“Rohit not being able to read the googly against Adil Rashid. And then Virat Kohli looked to play through the off-side against the turn, giving himself room and then missing it. It’s definitely a cause of concern because Indian players are supposed to be excellent batsmen against spin bowling,” he added.
Meanwhile, Laxman also said India would have been disappointed to not post a total in excess of 350 despite getting a strong start from their openers in the 3rd ODI.
“Yeah absolutely (disappointed at not getting 350). Credit to Hardik and Rishabh after India had a wonderful foundation laid by openers, they suddenly lost 3 wickets to Rashid and Moeen Ali.
The way the both of them had 99-runs partnership, just felt 360 was on the cards. The way England played the last match, 329 might not be enough. Overall, India would be disappointed they are 30 runs short,” Laxman said.