India’s recent loss to Sri Lanka in the second ODI has raised eyebrows, but assistant coach Abhishek Nayar attributes it to the challenging conditions and Sri Lanka’s impressive performance.
The pitch’s significant turn made even less-skilled spin bowlers a threat, Nayar noted. Sri Lanka’s spinner Jeffrey Vandersay bowled with excellent length and kept batters pinned in the crease, contributing to India’s loss of six wickets in quick succession.
Sri Lanka’s lower order batting also played a crucial role. Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis scored valuable runs, pushing Sri Lanka’s total to 240 for 9, a formidable score on the turning pitch.
Nayar acknowledged that India’s batting order adjustments, such as Shivam Dube batting at No. 4 and Shreyas Iyer at No. 6, were not particularly radical. The aim was to maintain a left-right combination against Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack.
Despite the loss, Nayar emphasized the importance of middle order batters playing their natural roles. He believes that the thought process behind the batting order was sound, even if it did not yield the desired results.
Nayar also praised Sri Lanka’s tenacity and ability to adapt to the conditions. He believes that India needs to analyze the reasons for their consecutive losses and rectify any weaknesses.
