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Rohit Sharma (AP Image)
Cricketnext takes a look at the performance of all the Indian players in the match.
Rohit Sharma: Rating 10: Verdict: Excellent
There are some days on a cricket field when a player can't do anything wrong. This was a similar day for Rohit Sharma, who led from the front with the bat. The pitch was responding to seam bowling early on in the match and Rohit opted for a cautious approach initially. He changed gears once the spinners came on to bowl and kept rotating the strike well during his century opening stand with Shikhar Dhawan. Once Dhawan was back in the pavillion, Rohit strung up another solid stand with the young Shreyas Iyer, allowing the youngster to take the attack to the opposition while he played the sheet anchor's role. The century was up in 114 deliveries and the foundation was laid. It was from here on that Rohit showcased his ability to switch gears at will and scored at a rampant pace, clearing the boundary at will, to bring up his third ODI double century.
As a captain on the field, Rohit was in complete control as he marshalled his troops well to take India to a big victory.
Shikhar Dhawan: Rating 8: Verdict: Very Good
Shikhar Dhawan was the key at the top of the order for India as he managed to keep a good tempo despite the Sri Lankan medium pacers making a good start. Dhawan made his way to a run-a-ball half century and allowed Rohit Sharma to play the sheet anchor's role. It was the foundation laid by Shikhar Dhawan that allowed the duo of Rohit and Iyer to capitalise on. Dhawan is a force to reckon with on helpful tracks and he showed that again.
Shreyas Iyer: Rating 8: Verdict: Very Good
It is not easy to make a comeback after a failure in your debut match, but Shreyas Iyer showed no signs of nerves or self doubt as he batted with a lot of control and gumption at the number three spot. He took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers after reaching his half-century and also paced the way for Rohit Sharma to begin his macho act. Shreyas was unlucky to miss out on a century, but the form he has shown, the youngster looks set to go on and have a bright future in the India blues.
MS Dhoni: Rating 7: Verdict: Good
The former captain didn't have much to do with the bat, but still managed to get a big six under his belt. With two catches behind the stumps and a stumping, Dhoni was his usual calm self as a wicket-keeper and kept helping Rohit Sharma from behind the stumps with his vast experience.
Hardik Pandya: Rating 7: Verdict: Good
Came on to bat in the last few overs and stayed unbeaten on 8 runs of five deliveries. Opened the bowling along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and gave India their first breakthrough by sending back Upul Tharanga. Returned with figures of 1/39 and was the most economical Indian bowler after finishing his full quota of overs.
Dinesh Karthik
Not rating Karthik as he didn't have any significant role to play in the match.
Manish Pandey
Not rating Manish Pandey as well as he didn't have any significant role to play in the match.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Rating 8: Verdict: Very Good
Yuzi Chahal continued to impress at the highest level with his leg spinners as he picked up three wickets in the match. Chahal picked up the important wicket of Niroshan Dickwella, who was looking to take the attack to the Indians in the middle overs. He also sent back the wily Gunaratne and Thisara Perera in the same over all but end Sri Lanka's faint hopes.
Washington Sundar: Rating 6: Verdict: Above Average
Not the easiest wickets to make your debut, but the young off spinner did manage to pick his maiden wicket, when he cleaned up Lahiru Thirimanne. Sundar though has a long way to go as he needs to work on his variations. For a spinner who doesn't spin the ball a lot and mostly fires quicker deliveries in, Washington Sundar will have to work a lot more on his basics to even come close to a regular place in the Indian ODI squad, specially when there are four or five talented and experienced spinners around.
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar: Rating 7: Verdict: Good
Opened the bowling and created problems for the Sri Lankan batsmen. Bhuvneshwar was unlucky to have not picked up a wicket in his first spell, but did so in his second spell. With a big score to defend, Bhuvneshwar and the lot didn't have a lot of pressure.
Jasprit Bumrah: Rating 7: Verdict: Good
Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets and bowled with a lot of passion and precision yet again. Not a match that would test his temperament, but Bumrah did his bit with the ball. It was great to see him making an effort to minimise the no balls, which has been a big problem for him and the team of late.
Angelo MathewsBhuvneshwar Kumarind vs sl 2017India vs Sri lankaIndia vs Sri Lanka 1st ODIjasprit bumrahrohit sharmashikhar dhawanshreyas iyerWashington Sundar
First Published: December 15, 2017, 7:55 AM IST