Sunil Gavaskar explained why the Rohit Sharma-led Team India lost the first ODI to Bangladesh on Sunday when he came out in defense of KL Rahul following the series’ first game. In the low-scoring contest, Rahul mishandled a catch by Mehidy Hasan Miraz that would have decided the outcome.
Perhaps the underlying cause of India’s devastating loss to Bangladesh on Sunday has been disclosed by legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. The India team was shocked by Litton Das-led Bangladesh in the first One Day International (ODI) at the Bangla National Stadium by one wicket.
After missing an easy catch in the low-scoring match, Indian wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul became the talk of the town.
Rahul, who had a magnificent game for the Virat Kohli-led team, was criticized online for missing the crucial catch that may have changed the game’s outcome. Rahul, the wicketkeeper, dropped Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz when he was on 17, which allowed the hosts to punish India in the low-scoring thriller in Dhaka.
Gavaskar’s remarks
Gavaskar, a batting legend, has defended the under-fire wicketkeeper-batter Rahul when he is receiving criticism for missing a clear-cut chance to score.
“It’s difficult to conclude that was it. In light of the fact that I believe that was the final wicket. The game ought to be ended after that. However, I believe you’ll also take into account India’s 186-point performance.
“To get to a position where they were 136-9, the bowlers did a fantastic job. They got some luck with that drop catch, but Hasan Miraj came next and played exceptionally well. He engaged in thoughtful play.
“They engaged in aggressive play and sent several daring shots against the opposition. However, India scored 80–70 runs less than they did, and the outcome would have been different if they had 250 runs,” according to Gavaskar.
India collapsed for a pitiful total of 186 in 41.2 overs when batting first in the opening match of the three-match series. While former captain Virat Kohli was dismissed for 9 off 15 deliveries, skipper Rohit struck 27 from 31 balls.
In the absence of the team’s preferred wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, Rahul led the Indian middle order and hammered a quick-fire 73 off 70 balls while keeping wickets for India. Rahul’s exciting innings helped India to a respectable total that Bangladesh finally beat in 46 overs.
“When you are instructed to chase fewer than four runs. Pressure automatically decreases, just like when Bangladesh was asked to chase. Bangladesh made things challenging for themselves by being extremely cautious.”
They were in danger because of this. Gavaskar continued, “But I believe that India’s failure to score 70 to 80 more runs was the primary factor in their defeat. In Dhaka, Bangladesh defeated India famously thanks to Miraz’s undefeated 38 off 39 balls. A Player of the Match award was given to the budding star.
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