It’s true that India won, but there are four people in the team who can’t beat: Wasim Jaffer
Former opener Wasim Jaffer said he was not happy with the Indian side’s performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. Wasim Jaffer said India still need to improve and the team combination is not right. He was analyzing the game on the ESPN show Cricinfo.
Jaffer’s argument is that Indian batting should be tried in a way that scores more runs. He said the four bowlers who couldn’t bat meaningfully were a concern.
“Muhammad Shami batting at number 8 is a concern for me. India scored 370 runs, but Shami and Siraj combined for just 17 runs in the last three overs. This is a matter for consideration.
Especially when there are situations where the first wickets fall in the chase stages and an average of 8-10 runs are required in one over.
If Shami is number 8, it’s worth thinking about how India will conduct the pursuit in the event of such a situation. Such problems should be solved with the future in mind. India should consider whether to play two seamers alongside Hardik Pandya or have well-rounded players like Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur in the squad.
#VIDEO | A spectator entered the playground during the match between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati.#Guwahati #Assam #INDvsSL @BCCI @assamcric pic.twitter.com/0idCm9hX0n
— G Plus (@guwahatiplus) January 10, 2023
With the arrival of two specialist pacers and Hardik Pandya as all-rounder, it should be checked whether all-rounders Washington Sundar or Shardul Thakur can be deployed. There are currently no batsmen after number 7. The three pacers who can bowl in excess of 140km/h are an asset to the team from a bowling perspective.
In the first ODI, India made no effort to bring out Sri Lankan captain Shanaka. Shanaka and the Indian Bowlers argued at one point. This series will continue the same way. For a long time, India has seemed unable to figure out how to contain and push back Shanaka.
Enjoy watching India vs Sri Lanka ODI in Guwahati along with Governor Hon Prof @jagdishmukhi1st Lady Smt Prem Mukhi and my wife Smt @rinikibsharma.
We are proud to host players from both teams, who are sure to inspire our budding sporting talents. pic.twitter.com/as52a952AT
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 10, 2023
Had it not been for Shanaka’s century, Sri Lanka would have lost the match by a huge margin. It was an incredible inning. As captain, he led the team from the front. A better contribution from the best batsmen would have brought Lanka closer to the target. But the credit goes to Shanaka for saving Lanka from a big defeat,’ said Wasim Jaffer.
India were expected to score 400 runs in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati. But in the last three overs when Mohammad Shami and Mohammad Siraj batted, only 17 runs were scored. With this, India were limited to 373 for seven wickets in 50 overs.
Enjoy watching India vs Sri Lanka ODI in Guwahati along with Governor Hon Prof @jagdishmukhi1st Lady Smt Prem Mukhi and my wife Smt @rinikibsharma.
We are proud to host players from both teams, who are sure to inspire our budding sporting talents. pic.twitter.com/as52a952AT
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 10, 2023
In the top tier, captain Rohit Sharma 83 off 67 balls, fellow opener Shubman Gill 70 off 60 balls and number three Virat Kohli shone with 113 off 87 balls. India won the match by 67 runs after Lanka’s reply was capped at 306 runs for eight wickets in 50 overs. The second ODI of the three-match series is played in Kolkata tomorrow. India can win the series if they win.
Highlights: Wazim Jaffer criticizes Indian cricket team
