Rohit Sharma's mini battle ahead of the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka

Indian opener Rohit Sharma must have felt gutted after being dismissed in a bizarre fashion during the 1st ODI against Sri Lanka. Rohit was run out for 4 after getting over the crease on time but failed to put any part of his body on the ground as a direct hit from Chamara Kapugedera caught him just short of touch down. India went on to win the game in a dominating fashion, as Shikhar Dhawan remained unbeaten on 132 while captain Virat Kohli played a good hand of 82 and stayed not out. The duo were involved in an unbeaten 197-run partnership, taking India home comfortably.

Sharma is struggling against an opposition, with whom he had a much talked about love-affair. The Mumbai boy slashed through the Sri Lankan attack and made them look like club cricket bowlers, during his knock of 264. Today, he stands with seven successive failures against the Lankans- 4, 4, 4, 0, 0, 5, 5. The opener’s average in the island is 14.25.

He has managed just one fifty in Sri Lanka so far in his playing career. Therefore, when India takes on the hosts in the 2nd game of the 5-match series, the onus will be on Sharma to lift the team and in the process make a case for himself. With his partner Dhawan hitting a purple patch, Sharma’s attempt to break the jinx will receive a major boost.

2019 World Cup -the target

Team India is likely to retain the same XI, but the skipper clearly mentioned that the roles and positions will be shuffled, as they start their preparation for the 2019 World Cup. Rohit is a key man in India’s bid to win the tournament in 2 years time. The opener has cemented his position, after turning into a match-winner and delivering on a consistent basis in the colored clothing. It will be interesting to see how the Lankan bowlers make use of this dent.