SL vs IND 2024: Rohit Sharma motivates Indian bowlers with Sinhalese slang, video goes viral

Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant (Twitter)

India captain Rohit Sharma once again was caught in a humorous act during the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday. As the hosts set out to bat after winning the toss, Sharma used Sinhalese slang to encourage his bowlers to confuse the Sri Lankan batters.

With the island nation being 1-0 up in the series, this match held immense significance for both teams. The hosts, won the second ODI by 32 runs and are looking to clinch the series. India, on the other hand, needs a win to level the series.

Also read: Mohammed Siraj engages in heated verbal argument with Kusal Mendis

As Sri Lanka made a solid start to their innings, Sharma was caught on the stump microphone cheering his bowlers in Sinhalese. “Anna hari, mēka hari,” (that’s right, that’s right). This linguistic flair from the Indian captain, directed particularly at spinner Axar Patel during his spell, quickly became a talking point.

Watch the video below:

India require 249 runs to win third ODI

The hosts put up a competitive total of 248/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Avishka Fernando was the standout performer, falling just short of a century with a magnificent knock of 96 runs off 102 balls. Kusal Mendis provided solid support with 59 runs, while Pathum Nissanka contributed 45 at the top of the order.

For India, debutant Riyan Parag was impressed with figures of 3/54. The experienced spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav maintained tight control, conceding just 41 and 36 runs respectively in their 10-over spells, with each claiming a wicket.

Also read: Why are KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh not playing third ODI?

The visitors need a strong start especially from their captain to win this match. The 37-year-old has been in wonderful form, scoring back-to-back fifties, but his team has failed to clinch a victory.