(Source X)
Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal commented on Arshdeep Singh’s critical mistake during the first ODI against Sri Lanka, saying the pacer should have opted to block the ball instead of taking a risk. Akmal was surprised by Singh’s error, which he felt was avoidable.
In the game held at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, the Indian team faced a disappointing end. They had been set a target of 231 runs but were unable to finish the job, with the match concluding in a tie due to their faltering batting performance.
India started strong with a 75-run opening partnership but struggled as wickets fell frequently. The Sri Lankan spinners exerted significant pressure, putting their side in a favorable position. Shivam Dube made a valuable contribution, pushing India closer to the target, but with just one run needed for victory, he was dismissed.
Arshdeep Singh came in with 14 balls remaining and, contrary to expectations, chose to attempt a slog rather than taking a single. He was dismissed lbw, resulting in the match ending in a tie. The Indian team was visibly disheartened by the missed opportunity.
Kamran Akmal, discussing the incident on his YouTube channel, suggested that Singh should have played it safe and defended the ball. He believed that with Mohammed Siraj in good form at the other end, India could have secured the win if Arshdeep had made a more prudent decision.
“You see, the work Arshdeep Singh has done, 13-14 balls. If there is one ball to win the match, then you take a chance. 13-14 balls, Kuldeep is playing in front of you. Like Siraj was just stopping. He was playing with the bat. You just had to stop the ball. There were so many balls, Siraj would have done it. Or you, too, on the other end, Wellalage, would not have come forward. Or the fast bowler would have come.
“The runs would have come automatically. If you are facing an off-spinner and if you keep your leg down and hit, then you will be out only. Aur ye kaam, Arshdeep Singh paaji, umeed nahi si tussi aise kroge. (And this work, Arshdeep Singh brother, I did not expect you would do it.) But anyway, no problem. The match should not have come this far. But next time, if this happens, then such runs cannot be done.”
It is better to hit with full face, in front – Arshdeep Singh
Kamran Akmal further noted that Arshdeep Singh should have used the full face of the bat rather than attempting a slog sweep. He highlighted that both teams performed well throughout the match and emphasized that India is unlikely to repeat such errors in the second game.
“It is better to hit with full face, in front. Mid-on is also up. Mid-off is also up. Mid-wicket is also not there. Then it will automatically go from above. Keep your leg and hit Sslog sweep, the risk increases in that, and then it becomes a little difficult. Anyway, good cricket was played.
“But, now we have to see India, Sri Lanka, see how India comes back. They will not repeat the mistake. They will work and come back. They have become a big team for this reason. So, now let’s see how well Sri Lanka does. How many mistakes they reduce in the next ODI match.”
