Mumbai
Win Projections to be updated soon
The defeat to Sri Lanka was unexpected, but the challenging conditions played a significant role in the fluctuating nature of the game. Abhishek Nayar, India’s assistant coach, shared his observations from the second ODI, where India suffered a loss of 32 runs.
Nayar highlighted Jeffrey Vandersay’s exceptional bowling lengths and Sri Lanka’s resilient lower-order batting as key factors in the defeat. The pitch once again offered substantial turn, making even lesser-skilled spin bowlers a threat.
“It was surprising, but not entirely unexpected given the spin-friendly conditions,” Nayar said. “We need to analyze why this happened two games in a row. In tough conditions like these, setbacks can occur in the 50-over format.”
India faced a collapse between overs 14 and 24, losing six wickets to Vandersay for just 50 runs. Vandersay’s accuracy and flight troubled the Indian batters, earning praise from Nayar for his performance in challenging conditions.
Despite a shaky start, Sri Lanka’s lower order, led by Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis, propelled them to a competitive total of 240 for 9. Nayar acknowledged their contributions and emphasized the pressure of chasing a target like that.
India’s unconventional batting order changes were aimed at maintaining a left-right batting combination, rather than a radical shift. Nayar defended the decisions, stating that positioning is crucial based on the game situation, and the mix-up was strategic in facing Sri Lanka’s spin options.
The defeat raises questions, but Nayar believes in sticking to the plan and trusting the middle-order batters to execute their roles effectively. In conclusion, he stressed the importance of adapting to challenging situations and learning from setbacks in order to improve.
