(Source X)
Under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching, India experienced a setback, losing the ODI series to Sri Lanka in his debut assignment with the team. Although India secured the T20I series under his guidance, they faltered in the ODIs, marking Sri Lanka’s first series victory against India in 27 years.
The series began with a tied first ODI, where India fell just short, needing one run from 14 balls. In the second ODI, Sri Lankan spinners outmaneuvered the Indian batters, with Sri Lanka posting 240 runs and winning by 32 runs after dismissing India for 203.
The third ODI, crucial for leveling the series, saw India struggle again against Sri Lankan spin. Chasing 249, India was bowled out for 138, resulting in a 110-run defeat. India lost 27 wickets to spin bowling, the highest in a three-match ODI series, and was dismissed for nine or more wickets to spin on four occasions across the matches.
The series loss was a significant shock, especially given the Indian batters’ inability to handle spin effectively. Former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed seized the opportunity to criticize both the Indian team and their head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
He criticized the decision of Gautam Gambhir to bench Arshdeep Singh.
“Arshdeep Singh was made to sit out in the third match despite bowling well in the first two matches. He took two wickets in the first match bowled well in the second and was made to sit out in the third match. India opened the bowling with Shivam Dube. Mashallah!, said Tanvir.
“The left-arm pacer gets to swing the new ball to the right-handers irrespective of how flat the wicket is and that makes a difference. This is how The new head coach Gautam Gambhir is. I think the combination of Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma was a very good one.
“Rohit looks like a relaxed captain and someone who takes the team along with him. Rahul Dravid too looked cool, calm, and composed. I thought VVS Laxman could have been made the next coach as he too looks calm and composed. Laxman should have been made the head coach.
“Gautam Gambhir will make a difference if his suggestions are not listened to by the cricketers. Arshdeep Singh would have definitely played had Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma been the coach and the captain of the side. Rest of the selections would have been correct even Suryakumar Yadav would have played,” said Tanvir venting out his anger on Gautam Gambhir
Throughout the series, Indian batters struggled against Sri Lankan spin, missing a critical opportunity to establish themselves. Players like Pant, Iyer, Rahul, and Shivam Dube had a chance to make significant contributions under challenging conditions but failed to capitalize.
Rohit Sharma’s aggressive batting remained one of the few bright spots for India, demonstrating consistent intent since the last ODI World Cup. However, Virat Kohli also faced difficulties, failing to register a fifty in the three matches. In the post-match press conference, Rohit acknowledged the series loss but focused on identifying areas for improvement rather than dwelling on the defeat.
