I didn't want to leave him like that: Rohit's thoughts about Shanaka

India captain Rohit Sharma claimed on Tuesday that he did not want Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka 'Mankaded' after the batsman backed up too far on his route to a valiant century in the first ODI here.

After being selected to bat first, India produced an impressive 373 for seven, riding Virat Kohli's 73rd international century and half-centuries from Rohit and Shubman Gill.

Sri Lanka were never in contention after losing half their team for 161, but Shanaka (108 not out off 88 balls) stood tall among the rubble with his fighting knock.

However, if it hadn't been for Rohit's intervention, he would not have reached the landmark. He withdrew Mohammed Shami's appeal for run out at the non-end striker's after the batsman had left the crease, allowing Shanaka to complete his century.

"I had no idea Shami performed it (run-out)," said Shanaka, who was batting on 98 at the time. He batted brilliantly, and we can't get him out like that. "Not something we anticipated, hats go to him, he performed pretty well," Rohit said during the post-match trophy ceremony.

After the hitters' excellent efforts, speed merchants Umran Malik (3/57) and Mohammed Siraj (2/30) iced the cake in a lopsided encounter, though Rohit felt India might have bowled better as a team.

"We started off pretty well and to attain that total was a great effort from all the hitters. The platform was built up for people to come out and play freely. I thought we could've bowled a little better, but I don't want to be too harsh, even though the dew was not ideal.

"We bowled well as a team, and if you want to win games like this, everyone has to show up. There are some things we need to look at as a squad, and it's important to remember that this is a team sport." Man of the Match Virat Kohli, who hit 12 fours and a six in his 87-ball 113, said he plays every game as if it is his last.

"I don't think anything was different. My planning and intent are always the same. I believed I was striking the ball well. "It was near to the blueprint I use, and I knew we needed an extra 25-30 runs," Kohli explained.

"In the second half, I tried to grasp the conditions. I attempted to obtain a reasonable total for us on the board. I learned that desperation does not get you anywhere. You don't need to make things more difficult. I can't hold on to things while you go out there and play without fear.

"You have to play for the right reasons and virtually play every game like it's your last and just be thrilled about it. The game will continue to progress. I'm not going to play forever, but I'm in a good mood and having fun." The Sri Lankans finished at 306 for eight in 50 overs thanks to their skipper's innings. Shanaka claimed that his new ball bowlers were not up to par.

"I think because of the start their openers provided us, we didn't use the new ball well, whereas their bowlers got it to swing. "We had a plan, but the bowlers didn't execute the basics correctly," Shanaka explained.

(source : PTI)