(Source X)
Ahead of the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar discussed the stakes, highlighting that passion and integrity are on the line due to the team’s underperformance in the first two ODIs.
Alongside Nayar, bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also shared insights into India’s preparations for the crucial final ODI.
Currently trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, with the first match ending in a tie and Jeffrey Vandersay’s stellar performance dismantling India’s batting in the second ODI, the team is eager to make a strong statement and level the series in the remaining game.
Abhishek Nayar discusses Team India’s preparations for the 3rd ODI
In an interview with the BCCI, Abhishek Nayar emphasized that a great deal of passion and integrity is at stake due to the team’s underwhelming performance. He believes this situation could drive the players to deliver their best.
Nayar also highlighted the importance of the team’s fighting spirit, noting that it’s crucial for the players to effectively execute their strategies. He sees the upcoming match as the perfect opportunity for them to showcase their top form.
“I think as Indians, we are very emotional people, and normally when sometimes you don’t get results our way, there is a lot of passion and integrity at stake for every individual so every cricketer in that dressing room knows what’s at stake and a lot of time that sort of brings the best out of the team,” Nayar stated.
“t bring out that fighting spirit that you want to often see in our team. Then you obviously try to implement that in the center with all the strategies that you come with, all the discussions that we have in the dressing room. Sometimes, being pushed against the wall brings the best out of us,” he added.
Meanwhile, bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule mentioned that specific areas of concern have been addressed and discussed, and he expects the players to deliver improved performances.
“Overall as a unit, certain areas that need to be worked on have been addressed. That’s what they were trying to implement. There are certain patterns of bowling that have been done to our batters. We are trying to see how we can match that and find a solution,” Bahutule said.
India’s struggles against spin
Indian batters have struggled against Sri Lankan spinners throughout the series. In the first ODI, Dunith Wellalage, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga were the key wicket-takers, but in the second ODI, Jeffrey Vandersay stole the show.
Vandersay delivered a career-best performance with figures of 6-33, marking an exceptional outing. Apart from captain Rohit Sharma, no other Indian batter has looked settled at the crease. India will require a standout performance from their top-order to turn the tide.
