Asia Cup 2023: India’s victory over Sri Lanka was more convincing than Pakistan, says Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir feels India’s win against Sri Lanka is more convincing than versus Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. India defeated Pakistan by a huge margin of 228 runs, registering their biggest win against the arch-rivals but the Men in Blue had to toil hard against Sri Lanka.

The Rohit Sharma-led won by 41 runs against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Tuesday to book their place in the final. Gambhir reckons this win will give more confidence to the Indian team as they had to work hard for it.

There were a lot of positives as well – with KL Rahul (39), Rohit Sharma (53), and Ishan Kishan (33) getting runs whereas Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav scalped two and four wickets respectively.

While India had posted 356 runs on the board against Pakistan, they had to huff and puff to get to the score of 213 against Sri Lanka as the conditions were more conducive for the spinners.

“This victory for me was more convincing than Pakistan. We won against Pakistan by 228 runs but this would give them a lot of confidence,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports.

“There was no doubt about the batting unit. There were always doubts about Jasprit Bumrah coming back after an injury. Then you got Kuldeep and the other bowlers. But defending 213 on this wicket, plus the conditions. I know there was a bit of grip on the wicket but it gripped more in the first innings.”

Bumrah gave two early breakthroughs, removing Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Subsequently, Kuldeep Yadav continued his purple patch, registering figures of 4-43 to help India skittle out Sri Lanka for 172.

“Defending 213 against Sri Lanka, they are a really good side playing against spin. This would give them a lot of confidence going into the final and then the World Cup. because the moment your Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav start firing, I think it gives a lot of confidence to the captain,” Gambhir added.

India will next take on Bangladesh and they can make a few changes to their playing XI after having already qualified for the final on Sunday.