India and Sri Lanka are now playing a three-game series, and the first ODI concluded in a draw. This was only the second 50-over encounter between the two countries after the Adelaide match in 2012. The visitors chased a target of 231 runs and managed to achieve 230 runs before being bowled out.
Indian team captain Shubman Gill was given an over to bowl during the opening innings of the match. Gill let up 14 runs in the over, which seemed to tip the scales in Sri Lanka’s advantage.
Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim was angry that the over was given to a part-time bowler. The 56-year-old said he understood why captain Rohit Sharma decided to give Gill an over, citing the deployment of a similar strategy in the third Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka, where Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav shared four wickets between them to turn the tide of the game.
“The idea was the same as when [Sri Lanka captain Charith] Asalanka came into the attack for his country or when India attempted it in the Twenty20 Internationals by having Suryakumar Yadav assign bowling duties to Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, and even himself. However, considering this was Gill’s first time bowling in an international match, his over proved to be highly costly, and Sri Lanka eventually gained the upper hand, Karim said on Sony Sports Network.
India might have chosen Dube: Saba Karim.
Karim further stated that India might have used all-rounder Shivam Dube for a few more overs rather than sending the ball to Gill. Notably, Dube removed Kusal Mendis leg before wicket with a peach while only giving up 19 runs in his four overs.
Given the circumstances, India required an additional spin option on this ground. India might have chosen to stick with Dube for a few further overs, but they chose not to, thus Gill was given a chance, which did not work out, Karim added.
Also Read: SL vs IND: Dunith Wellalage reveals his bowling strategies in the first ODI, citing Pathum Nissanka as an inspiration
As the second ODI between Sri Lanka and India takes place on Sunday, August 4 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, they will try to turn their attention towards the forthcoming match.
India
