The Indian cricket team’s defeat in the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka has shocked the cricketing world. Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed has criticised the Indian batting line-up while commenting on India’s defeat and warned about the future prospects.
India lost the second ODI by 32 runs and the third ODI by 110 runs to lose the three-match series 1-2. Chasing 249 in the final ODI, India were bowled out for just 138, with Rohit Sharma top-scoring with 35. Virat Kohli could only manage scores of 24, 14 and 20 in the three matches and looked uncomfortable.
Tanvir Ahmed, on his YouTube channel, described the defeat as the beginning of the downfall of the Indian batting line-up.
“You can see what happens to the Indian batting line-up in the future. The bowling line-up might be fine, but it will be difficult for the batting line-up. Without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, none of the new batsmen in the Indian team at the moment can take this batting line-up forward in the future.”
“They can score runs on flat pitches in their home conditions, but on pitches where the ball seams and swings, the potential of India’s batting line-up has been exposed. Could have scored runs in the first match, which got over in time, could have scored runs in the second and third ODIs as well.”
He also had a strong message for the Indian team and the BCCI
“Look at your own performance first and then give suggestions about Pakistan. If Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah don’t play against Pakistan, Pakistan will easily beat India.”
The defeat has raised concerns for India, especially with the Champions Trophy 2025 in sight. This defeat against Sri Lanka is a warning for India that they need to improve their batting and team combination.
Rohit Sharma in the press conference has talked about focusing on the areas of improvement after the defeat, while Sri Lanka has made history by winning the ODI series against India after 27 years. India now have to play only three ODIs before the Champions Trophy 2025 against England, and they will get less time to get their combination right.
Will India bounce back from this defeat? Only time will tell, but at the moment, the buzz of change in Indian cricket is palpable.
