It’s been a challenging week for the Indian cricket team in Colombo as they head into the final game of their ongoing tour against Sri Lanka, still searching for their first win in the series. The prospect of losing their first bilateral series to their Asian neighbours in 27 years looms large. Gautam Gambhir and his squad have faced a rocky start in the 50-over format, largely due to their inability to handle the Sri Lankan spinners during the crucial middle overs.
In both One Day Internationals (ODIs), Rohit Sharma provided India with blazing starts, capitalizing on the new ball and delivering significant initial momentum while chasing relatively modest targets. However, the Sri Lankan spinners have managed to engineer batting collapses on both occasions. The first game ended in an unexpected tie, while the second saw the hosts securing a 32-run victory.
Despite these setbacks, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar defended the team’s performance as an essential preparation stage for the bigger tournaments scheduled for the upcoming year. “Honestly, we are quality players of spin,” said Sundar. “We’ve always played on these kinds of wickets at home, in Tests, and in domestic cricket. Many of our players have excelled in the middle order, particularly against spin. It is just a matter of finding a way in their own individual ways to get the job done.”
Sundar was optimistic about the team’s potential and stressed the resilience traditionally associated with Indian cricket. “Everyone knows it is a challenging wicket, and the Indian team always rises to the challenge. That’s when we’ve been formidable with both bat and ball, often emerging victorious from tough situations. That is the hallmark of the Indian cricket team over the years,” he affirmed.
The Indian side’s difficulties with spin were evident in both ODIs. In the first match, they slumped from a promising 75 for no loss to 132 for 5. A similar story unfolded in the second ODI, as India was reduced from 97 for no loss to 147 for 6. Nevertheless, Sundar dismissed the notion that bowling second at the R Premadasa Stadium provided any significant advantage.
. “I feel the pitch behaves similarly in both innings. In the evening, the ball might zip a bit more and come onto the bat at a quicker pace, but overall, it remains the same,” he observed.
One notable aspect of India’s batting against spin in the second ODI was their reluctance to use their feet, a technique that head coach Gautam Gambhir excelled at during his own playing days. Gambhir’s tactical acumen and formidable performances against high-quality spin have been well-documented, and his insights have been invaluable for the team. “He (Gambhir) was a high-quality player of spin. We’ve always seen him deliver courageous performances, especially on pitches like these against top-tier spin bowlers. Naturally, he has been imparting his knowledge to us, and that’s one of the reasons we had an extra practice session today—to fine-tune our approach and make necessary adjustments,” Sundar explained.
Looking ahead to the final match, Sundar expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back. “We’re the best team; we just need to step up in those critical situations. Tomorrow presents an opportunity for us to do exactly that and clinch a victory. With major tournaments on the horizon, we will undoubtedly encounter similar conditions and quality spin attacks. It’s crucial to find ways to prevail in these key moments,” he stated.
As India prepares for the decisive encounter, the pressure is undeniably high. The team’s prowess against spin, often considered one of their strengths, has been put to the test. The ability to make individual adjustments and execute game plans will be paramount. For Gambhir and his team, it’s not just about winning a series; it’s about honing their skills for the challenges that lie ahead on the global stage.
The final match in Colombo is more than just a game—it’s a test of character, strategy, and adaptability. Both the players and fans are eagerly anticipating whether India can overcome their spin woes and close the tour on a high note. The outcome will not only set the tone for future bilateral series but also reflect how prepared the team is for the critical tournaments around the corner.