Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar questions team India’s batting collapse for the second time in a row against Sri Lanka in ODI series. On Sunday (August 4), India experienced another surprising batting collapse against Sri Lanka, resulting in a 32-run defeat under Rohit Sharma‘s captaincy.
This loss at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo dashed India’s hopes of clinching the ODI series in Sri Lanka. However, India still has a chance to level the series if they win the final match of the tour on Wednesday (August 4).
Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar expresses his concern over batting collapse
India’s batting lineup collapses in the first two matches shocked both fans and team management. After the second ODI defeat, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar stated that the team will review and understand the reasons behind their consecutive poor performances to address the issues before the final match.
“We want to go back and understand and rectify why it happened twice in a row. The day before yesterday (Friday), we were able to stitch partnerships. But today (Sunday), we lost quite a few wickets in a bundle,” Nayar said.
Nayar, who joined India’s coaching staff last month following Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach, described the second ODI defeat as shocking.
“Was it a shock? I would say yes; there is a surprise. But you anticipate and understand that in these conditions, the game can turn on its head because there is so much spin on offer.”
“Even if you look at the last game, it was relatively easy to score against the new ball. As the ball got older, the conditions when batting second got slightly tougher. Sometimes in tough conditions, especially in the 50-over format, this happens,” he added.
Abhishek Nayar praises Sri Lanka’s Jeffrey Vandersay
Despite the loss, he commended Sri Lankan spinner Jeffrey Vandersay for his exceptional performance. Replacing the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, Vandersay took full advantage of his chance by dismissing six Indian batsmen.
“They bowled well; I think Vandersay bowled the ideal length in these conditions. In such conditions, when the ball is turning—and the way Vandersay bowled today, used his finger, and bowled stump to stump—you get these phases when there is assistance from the pitch. I feel today we should give more credit to Sri Lanka.” Nayar said.
Vandersay finished the match with figures of 10-0-33-6.
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