SL vs IND - Be ready to watch more batters turn into bowlers, says Sairaj Bahutule after tied ODI in Colombo

Team India’s new interim bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, has given a heads-up to the fans, asking them to be ready to watch a different playing template from now. After the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka ended in a tie on Friday, Bahutule said the Indian fans would see more top-order batters rolling their arms, giving the captain more options to pick from.

Since Gautam Gambhir took over the reins from Rahul Dravid, the difference in the decision-making was visible from the offset. During the recently-concluded T20I series against Sri Lanka, which India won 3-0, part-timers including Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav, alongside all-rounder Riyan Parag, bowled; and not only that, but they also won matches for the country with that.

Even during the first ODI, opener Shubman Gill bowled an over.

Speaking on the same lines, Bahutule said, “I think our batters are good bowlers as well, to be honest. You know their primary skill is batting, so at times, they don’t focus much on their bowling. But they have the skills.”

“You might have seen in the T20Is…Rinku and Surya contributed with the ball. So, an opportunity was given to Shubman here. It’s going to be an all-rounder’s game in the coming days. So, if one or two (batsmen) from the top order can bowl it will definitely help the team, of course, depending on pitch conditions and situations.

“Also, it will be a surprise element to the opposition, if a batter can bowl. So, moving ahead, there will be ample opportunities for batters to bowl,” the interim bowling coach continued.

Bahutule praises bowlers, admits SL scored 15-20 runs more

At a time when the Indian bowlers reduced Sri Lanka to 160 for six on a tougher batting wicket, they looked like wrapping their innings inside 200; however, a handy stand between Dunith Wellalage and Hasaranga saw the hosts cross 200 and put a fighting total on the board.

Despite that, the Indian bowlers were right on the target. Praising them for their efforts, Bahutule said,

“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,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the second ODI is scheduled for Sunday (August 4) in Colombo.

(With inputs from PTI)