SL vs IND 2024: Need to understand why it has happened twice in a row – Abhishek Nayar on India’s batting woes

India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar feels they need to assess why they have crumbled with the bat in two consecutive matches against Sri Lanka in the ongoing ODI series. In the second ODI, India lost their nine wickets for 92 runs despite no required run rate pressure.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave a perfect start to the visitors, adding 97 runs off just 81 balls but the middle order could not deliver. Jeffrey Vandersay, who replaced Wanindu Hasaranga in the playing XI, was the chief destroyer of the Indian innings, returning with outstanding figures of 6-33 in his quota of 10 overs. 

As a result, India was skittled out for 208 while chasing 241 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday to go one down in a three-match series. 

Furthermore, India could not get over the line (target 231) in the opening game of the series despite the openers – Gill and Rohit – adding 75 runs for them. 

“We want to go back and understand, and rectify, why it happened twice in a row. The day before yesterday, we were able to stitch partnerships. But today we lost quite a few wickets in a bundle,” Nayar said, in the aftermath of the defeat which gave Sri Lanka an unassailable 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Nayar admitted it was a bit of a shock but at the same time acknowledged that the conditions have been favourable for spin bowling.

“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, before tipping his hat to the 34-year-old spinner who finished with figures of 6 for 33 in 10 overs.

“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.”

“The last two T20 games assisted spin. When we came here and practiced as well, we kind of understood that there would be turn on offer, there would be help and assistance (for the spinners). It wasn’t a surprise and we had prepared for it,” Nayar opined.

The third ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Wednesday.