Arshdeep Singh to face Gautam Gambhir's wrath? Former Indian pacer predicts dark future

Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh criticized Arshdeep Singh for his shot selection during the first ODI of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka and has predicted that Gautam Gambhir won't be happy. Dodda Ganesh admitted that tailenders aren't expected to score runs but noted that Arshdeep Singh should have shown a bit of game awareness.

The series opener ended in a tie at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. The home team posted a total of 230 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs after winning the toss. In response, the Rohit Sharma-led team was bowled out for 230 runs in 47.5 overs, leveling Sri Lanka's score.

Arshdeep Singh Isn't Going To Impress Gautam Gambhir - Dodda Ganesh

Dodda Ganesh took to his social media account to express disappointment with Arshdeep Singh's shot selection during a crucial moment in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. The former Indian cricketer stated that Arshdeep's shot would not have impressed head coach Gautam Gambhir.

"You can’t expect run from the tail-enders but a bit of game awareness is paramount for any cricketer. That shot from Arshdeep isn’t going to impress the coach Gambhir #SLvIND #DoddaMathu," Ganesh wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

You can’t expect run from the tail enders but a bit of game awareness is paramount for any cricketer. That shot from Arshdeep isn’t going to impress the coach Gambhir #SLvIND #DoddaMathu

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) August 2, 2024

Chasing 231 runs, the visitors lost seven wickets for 197 runs. However, Shivam Dube added crucial partnerships with lower-order batters Kuldeep Yadav (2) and Mohammed Siraj (5) to help the team reach 230-8. The Men in Blue needed just one run to win with more than two overs and two wickets in hand.

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka trapped Shivam Dube in front of the stumps. Dube had to depart to the dressing room after scoring 25 runs off 24 balls with the help of one four and two sixes. Arshdeep tried to play an ugly hack across the line and missed the shot. Singh was dismissed LBW on his first ball.

https://x.com/SonyLIV/status/1819418621174542655

A Moral Booster For The Underdogs - Dodda Ganesh

The 51-year-old praised Sri Lankan bowlers for their strong comeback in the game. Ganesh highlighted that the tie would boost their morale before the remaining matches in the ongoing series.

"And it’s a tie. Great application shown by Sri Lankan bowlers. This is a going to be a great moral booster for the underdogs #SLvIND," Ganesh wrote.

And it’s a tie. Great application shown by Sri Lankan bowlers. This is a going to be a great moral booster for the underdogs #SLvIND

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) August 2, 2024

Before the ODI matches, the Sri Lanka team came close to beating India in all three games in the T20I series. The Charith Asalanka-led team lost the T20I series by a margin of 3-0. They were in a strong position at 110-1 while chasing 138 in the final T20I. However, they collapsed in the chase, leading to a tie.

The second ODI match between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, August 4. The visiting team wants to continue their dominance in the white-ball tour, while the hosts aim to register a victory in the upcoming match.

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