Why Rohit Sharma hugged Lasith Malinga on Virat Kohli wicket in MS Dhoni's 300th ODI

Colombo: Electing to bat first, Team India once again showed no mercy on Sri Lanka as they went after hosts right from the first ball. Though opener Shikhar Dhawan did not have a long stay at the crease, skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma battered the Sri Lankan bowlers with shots all round the park.

Virat Kohli’s quality was no match for the opposition bowlers as he powered his way to yet another century, the 29th in his ODI career of 195 games. However, just when it looked like the Kohli was close to reaching 150, the Indian captain was dismissed by Lasith Malinga.

The interim Sri Lanka ODI captain, bowled a fullish delivery, just outside off stump forcing Kohli to have a go at it. The India skipper attempted to squeeze out the delivery but guided the ball straight to the sweeper cover fielder. While it was only the 2nd wicket for the Sri Lankan speedster in the series, Malinga bagged his 300th wicket in ODI’s.

However before any of Malinga’s compatriots could congratulate him, his Mumbai Indians teammate and captain Rohit Sharma felicitated Malinga with a hug on his remarkable feat. Hardik Pandya, who made way for Kohli on the crease also congratulated the Sri Lankan bowler with a fist punch.

The Mumbai Indians captain later notched up 13th ODI century and became the first Indian to score back to back hundreds vs Sri Lanka away.