Not Arshdeep Singh!! Sairaj Bahutule pins the blame on this player for the shambolic tie against Sri Lanka

Sairaj Bahutule, India's interim bowling coach, stated that the bowlers conceded 15-20 runs extra during the first ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka. However, Sairaj Bahutule added that the Indian bowlers' overall effort was good in restricting Sri Lanka to 230 runs during the series opener.

The first ODI match between India and Sri Lanka ended in a tie at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. The Men in Blue failed to secure the victory despite being in a winning position. The visiting team failed to chase down the 231-run target to start the ongoing ODI series on a winning note.

We Could Have Got Them For 15-20 Runs Less - Sairaj Bahutule

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sairaj Bahutule praised fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube for their performance on a spin-friendly pitch. Bahutule also stated that spinners Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav contributed well.

"They had a partnership after we got them down to 160 for six, maybe we could have got them for 15-20 runs less. But overall, I think the bowlers did well. Arshdeep and Siraj began well and Shivam bowled well on a wicket which was slightly helpful to the spinners. I think spinners – Washi, Axar, and Kuldeep – contributed well. To restrict them to 230 was, I think, a good effort," Bahutule said.

Sri Lanka lost five wickets for 101 runs after winning the toss. Dunith Wellalage and Janith Liyanage added a 41-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Liyanage was dismissed for 20 runs off 26 deliveries. Wellalage helped the team reach 230-8 from 142-6. He scored 67 off 65 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.

Would Could Have Put In Extra Effort - Sairaj Bahutule

Sairaj Bahutule praised Rohit Sharma for his aggressive start with the bat in the run chase. Bahutule mentioned that the Indian team could have made the extra effort to secure the win.

"Partnerships were very important. The start given by Rohit was fantastic, and it looked like one stage that we won't lose many wickets. Hasaranga and Asalanka executed their skills, which was quite good. I think we tried our best to get into those partnerships. But I think Shivam also batted well and overall contributed. But obviously, we could have put in that one extra effort of scoring that single run," Bahutule added.

Rohit Sharma continued his aggressive brand of cricket in the powerplay. The Indian team scored 71 runs in the first 10 overs while chasing a target of 231 runs. Sharma scored 58 runs off 47 balls before being dismissed by Dunith Wellalage. The team then lost wickets at regular intervals, collapsing to 197-7.

However, Shivam Dube helped the team to reach 230-8 in 47.3 overs. Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka kept his cool and dismissed Dube and Arshdeep Singh with back-to-back deliveries. The match ended in a tie, and a Super Over was not able to decide the outcome of the series opener in Colombo.

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