Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh criticised captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir on Monday morning for their defensive strategies during the first Test of the two-match series in Galle.
Ganesh could not comprehend the management’s decision to keep batting on Day 3 given the forecast of rain for the rest of the match. There were two tailenders in the center, so the call did not make much sense.
India was bowled out for 462 after Asitha Fernando removed Prasidh Krishna for two after the overnight duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Krishna lasted just four balls in the middle. Ganesh was not pleased with India’s decision to bat on Day 3, though.
Dodda Ganesh Calls Out India’s Defensive Approach
“Why would you bat on third day morning with two tail enders? #SLvIND,” Ganesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
It is important to note that the first two days of the Test were ruined by rain, resulting in the loss of around 64 overs. In order to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the visitors must win seven out of nine Test matches, hence it is India’s responsibility to push the pace. Showers are also expected on Day 3.
Ganesh also criticised India’s strategy on Day 2, claiming that once Dhruv Jurel was dismissed on Sunday, the team ought to have declared. “Don’t understand why we haven’t declared even after Jurel’s dismissal #SLvIND,” he wrote.
India In Control On Day 3
Devdutt Padikkal’s 167-run knock helped the visitors score 462 runs. As crossed the 400-run threshold, KL Rahul (82) and Dhruv Jurel (51) also contributed significant innings. Keshara Nuwantha claimed three wickets and Prabath Jayasuriya claimed four for Sri Lanka.
However, that was it for the Sri Lanka side as the Indian bowlers ripped apart the hosts’ top order. It started with star pacer Mohammed Siraj taking the wicket of Nishan Fernando and dismissing him on a two-ball duck in the opening over itself. Later, Manav Suthar struck twice in quick successions and got rid of Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Udara. Then and Ravindra Jadeja joined the party and ensured that SL would be going to lunch with 99/5 on board.