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Sairaj Bahutule, currently serving as India’s temporary bowling coach, remarked that the bowlers gave away an extra 15-20 runs in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. Despite this, Bahutule noted that the Indian bowlers performed well overall, managing to restrict Sri Lanka to 230 runs in the series opener.
In the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka, held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2, the match ended in a tie. Despite being in a favorable position to win, the Men in Blue couldn’t secure victory. India faltered in their chase of the 231-run target, missing the opportunity to kick off the ongoing ODI series with a win.
We Could Have Got Them For 15-20 Runs Less – Sairaj Bahutule
During the post-match press conference, Sairaj Bahutule commended the fast bowling efforts of Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube on a pitch that favored spin. Bahutule also acknowledged the valuable contributions of spinners Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav to the team’s performance.
“They had a partnership after we got them down to 160 for six, maybe we could have got them for 15-20 runs less. But overall, I think the bowlers did well. Arshdeep and Siraj began well and Shivam bowled well on a wicket which was slightly helpful to the spinners. I think spinners – Washi, Axar, and Kuldeep – contributed well. To restrict them to 230 was, I think, a good effort,” Bahutule said.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka encountered a setback, losing five wickets for 101 runs. However, Dunith Wellalage and Janith Liyanage steadied the innings with a 41-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Liyanage’s contribution ended at 20 runs off 26 deliveries before departing. Wellalage played a crucial role in lifting Sri Lanka from 142-6 to 230-8, crafting a spirited innings of 67 runs from 65 balls. His knock featured seven boundaries and two sixes, bolstering the team’s total significantly.
Would Could Have Put In Extra Effort – Sairaj Bahutule
Sairaj Bahutule lauded Rohit Sharma for his aggressive batting at the beginning of the run chase. He also suggested that the Indian team could have gone the extra mile to clinch the victory.
“Partnerships were very important. The start given by Rohit was fantastic, and it looked like one stage that we won’t lose many wickets. Hasaranga and Asalanka executed their skills, which was quite good. I think we tried our best to get into those partnerships. But I think Shivam also batted well and overall contributed. But obviously, we could have put in that one extra effort of scoring that single run,” Bahutule added.
Rohit Sharma continued his aggressive approach during the powerplay as India chased a target of 231 runs. The team amassed 71 runs in the first 10 overs, with Sharma contributing a brisk 58 runs off 47 balls before being dismissed by Dunith Wellalage. Subsequently, India faced a steady loss of wickets and stumbled to 197-7.
However, Shivam Dube’s resilient effort guided India to 230-8 by the 47.3rd over. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka maintained his composure and struck crucial blows by removing Dube and Arshdeep Singh in consecutive deliveries. The closely contested match ended in a tie, with neither side able to claim victory even after a Super Over, leaving the series opener in Colombo undecided.
