Karthik's candid perspective on Virat Kohli's challenges against spin in Sri Lanka series: 'Can't make excuses for him, however...'

Team India faced a challenging series against Sri Lanka in the ODIs, ultimately losing 0-2, marking their first bilateral series loss to Sri Lanka since 1997. The Indian batters struggled against the spin bowling attack in all three matches, particularly on difficult pitches in Colombo. Even Virat Kohli, known for his formidable batting prowess, found it tough to score runs in the series, contributing to the team's overall difficulties in chasing targets set by the opposition.

Kohli scored 24, 14, and 20, reigniting discussions over his weakness against spin. The Indian batter looked subdued in the middle, particularly after Rohit's fiery starts. However, according to former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, India were troubled significantly due to the amount of turn the track had to offer.

Rohit may have been at his aggressive best throughout the series, but Karthik stated that the pitch was difficult for all batters in the lineup. The wicketkeeper, who shared the dressing room with Kohli during his time at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, stated that the surface in Colombo was significantly tricky during the middle-overs.

“In this series… let's admit. Be it Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or anyone else. With a slightly semi-new ball, between overs 8-30, it's hard work. Nothing to worry about. Not too many pitches work that way, but it's been a tough pitch to play spinners. I'm not going to defend Virat Kohli here, but playing spin here is very hard,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Theekshana's remark on Indian batters

In fact, Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana had acknowledged the turn assisted the host side, while also adding that India batters are more comfortable in playing in shorter boundaries and “good wickets” back home.

“They (India) usually play on good wickets and small boundaries in India,” Theekshana had said after the series win.

“We knew playing in Premadasa, if there’s little bit turn, we can take advantage because we have good spinners,” he added.

The ODI series against Sri Lanka had marked the return of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the format after the World Cup.

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