The second T20I in the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka ended in a loss for India, according to cricket pundits, primarily due to the “no-ball catastrophe.” Gautam Gambhir has also involved himself in the matter.
Thursday’s second Twenty20 match of the three-match series saw Team India lose to Sri Lanka by a score of 16 runs. When Sri Lanka was chosen to bat first by the hosts, Dasun Shanaka’s team scored a massive 206/6 in 20 overs.
While the visitor’s opener, Kusal Mendis, scored 52 runs in a flash for the team, Captain Shanaka hit a storming 56 off 22 balls. India was 57/5 at the start of the tenth over when they lost half of their team while attempting to reach the large mark. The biggest partnership in T20Is for India was constructed at the sixth wicket by saviour Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Axar Patel, who hit 91 runs together.
Hardik Pandya and company’s bowling allowed seven no-balls, which resulted in seven free knocks for Sri Lanka during the game. Arshdeep Singh, a pace bowler, bowled the second over of the visitors’ innings and gave away 19 runs overall after three consecutive no-balls went for 10 runs each.
The startling error provided Sri Lanka’s innings with the ideal impetus. Arshdeep bowled two no-balls in the 19th over as well, shocking the crowd even more, and he let up 18 runs in the eight-ball over. The two pacers Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik each gave one no-ball, adding insult to injury for Team India as Sri Lanka built up the sizable target.
The “no-ball debacle,” according to cricket analysts, was the primary cause of India’s defeat. In the post-game conversation on Star Sports, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir offered his opinion on the subject. He said that the cause for his inconsistent, non-rhythmic bowling was Arshdeep’s prompt, post-long absence, return to the playing XI.
Gambhir’s actual words
“Seven balls is equivalent to more than 21 overs of bowling. Everyone makes poor throws or plays poor shots, but the key is to maintain rhythm. You should not participate in an international match if you are recovering from an injury,” Gambhir remarked.
“You can get a shocker like I just said. Fielders can make a stunning errors, batters can make poor swing choices, and bowlers can deliver those shocking blows, but this is unacceptable. You may be practicing it in the nets and during practice sessions, which is why you do it during a game as well,” Gambhir explained.
“Therefore, the bowling instructor should likely concentrate on that as well since you need to be strict during practise. You are unable to place the blame elsewhere. Yes, the captain has a difficult time setting the fields. Imagine giving up 30-plus runs in just seven balls after seven no-balls; it would be a significant difference,” he added.
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