Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin reckons there was a bit of tentativeness in Indian batters’ approach in the third ODI against England at Lord’s. India suffered a 27-run loss as they managed 360-7 while chasing an above par score of 388 runs.

Ashwin believes the batting trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were a bit tentative in their approach in the run-chase. While Rohit scored a magnificent knock of 138 runs off 110 balls, Kohli scored 74 runs off 60 balls. KL Rahul was dismissed after scoring 12 runs off eight deliveries.

Ashwin feels the players can only bat with such an approach if they are not given security by the team management.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “The wicket was tricky, but I felt a bit of tentativeness when KL Rahul, Virat, Rohit, and everyone were playing. This (hand gesture) shot is to win the match, and then this is a shot that says we want to win that match, but I need to score runs too. If a player gets security, that tentativeness will not be there.”

On the other hand, Indian skipper Shubman Gill showered praise on Rohit Sharma after the veteran batter scored a brillaint century. Rohit’s knock was laced with 17 fours and five sixes as he batted at the top of his game despite being under pressure.

Gill said in the post-match presentation, “I mean, they have done really well over the years in different parts of the world. And very, very pleased with how, Rohit Bhai batted today, especially getting 140. And I think the wicket got a little bit slow in the end. It wasn’t easy to hit those runs. But I think the way he batted was really a treat to watch.”

Gill also scored a decent knock of 77 runs off 84 balls in the third ODI.