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Former Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim criticized captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to hand Shubman Gill an over during the first ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Karim argued that this move was detrimental to the Indian team, as it allowed Sri Lanka to build momentum with their batting.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who began his tenure with a perfect 3-0 sweep in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, had been praised for his innovative use of part-time bowlers. However, this strategy came under scrutiny after India’s recent ODI loss.
During the match, India was in a strong position with Sri Lanka at 114 for five in 31 overs. Rohit Sharma opted to experiment by introducing Shubman Gill to bowl the next over. This decision backfired as Gill conceded 14 runs in that over, shifting the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor. Janith Liyanage hit Gill for a six, and Dunith Wellalage followed with a four.
His Over Turned To Be Quite Expensive – Saba Karim
In an interview with Sony Sports Network, Saba Karim pointed out that India had successfully employed part-time bowlers during the T20I series against Sri Lanka. However, he highlighted that Shubman Gill’s over in the ODI turned out to be expensive, which allowed Sri Lanka to build momentum.
“The thinking was the same as Asalanka introducing himself in the attack for Sri Lanka or what India tried in T20Is with Suryakumar Yadav giving the responsibility to Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh and even himself to bowl. But again, this was the first time Gill was bowling in international cricket, and his over turned out to be quite expensive and Sri Lanka subsequently grabbed the momentum,” Saba Karim said.
The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested that India might have been better off giving Shivam Dube more overs rather than opting for Shubman Gill. Karim observed that Dube had delivered four economical overs and claimed a wicket, indicating his effectiveness. He argued that choosing Gill over Dube was a questionable decision.
“India needed an extra spin option on this ground, given the conditions. Maybe India could have gone with Dube for a few more overs, and since they did not go that way, Gill was tried, and it did not prove to be the right decision,” Saba Karim added.
Dunith Wellalage played a crucial innings, remaining unbeaten with 67 off 65 balls, featuring seven boundaries and two sixes. He formed significant partnerships, adding 41 runs with Janith Liyanage for the sixth wicket and 36 runs with Wanindu Hasaranga for the seventh wicket. From a precarious position of 178-7, the home team rallied to finish at 230 runs in their 50 overs.
It Was A Lost Cause For India – Ajay Jadeja
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja echoed Saba Karim’s sentiments, pointing out that Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh were used as bowlers only after the matches had slipped away. Jadeja emphasized that the captain should avoid such experiments when the team is in a commanding position.
“That day, it was understandable because when Rinku came to bowl, it was a lost cause for India. But today, when India were in control of the situation, they shouldn’t have let go of it. You can always try newer options, but either when you are in complete control of the match or when it’s a lost cause. But again, without experiments, you cannot find new things,” Ajay Jadeja said.
