India recently lost the ODI series against Sri Lanka. It was a shocking result considering the strength of Team India and the form that the Sri Lankan Team were in. Some strategies clearly did not work for Gautam Gambhir and the management. Here, we take a look at the list of three strategies that backfired for Gautam Gambhir in the Sri Lanka ODI series.
1) Floating batting line-up
In the second game, KL Rahul batted at No.7. In the first game, as well, he did not bat at his usual position of No.5. Apart from the Top 3 batters, none of them had a clear position in the batting line-up.
Role clarity is very important in this format. Gautam Gambhir tried to be too flexible with his line-up. This did not help the side. With wickets falling consistently, batters never had a chance to settle their minds and consolidate their position at the crease.
2) Preference for batting depth over bowling quality
The preference for batting depth over bowling quality is one of the strategies that backfired on Gautam Gambhir in the Sri Lanka ODI series. In the final game, India had Washington Sundar at No.9 and there was only one pacer in the squad. Shivam Dube opened the bowling along with Siraj.
This is never a good approach in cricket, especially in the ODI and Test formats. India could not tie down Sri Lanka to an achievable total. An extra spinner in these conditions could have been useful.
3) No backup openers
It is good to back Shubman Gill considering the success he has had. However, he is too young and there is still scope for his development.
Especially with the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal around, India could have had a backup opener. A left-hander at the top could have ensured a left-right combination at the start. This would have helped India do better in the middle-order.
