SL vs IND: Washington Sundar reveals head coach Gautam Gambhir's reaction after losing 2nd ODI

Washington Sundar also talked about his performance in the ongoing white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.

Ahead of the third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and India, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has revealed how new head coach Gautam Gambhir reacted after India’s shambolic loss to Sri Lanka in the second match of the ongoing three-match ODI series on August 4 in Colombo.

So far in both ODIs, except Indian captain Rohit Sharma, rest of the Indian batters struggled against the Sri Lankan spin bowling attack in testing conditions at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

The opening ODI on August 2 between Sri Lanka and India was tied after Men in Blue were all-out for 230 while chasing 231.

In the second ODI, hosts made 240/9 in 50 overs. In reply, Men in Blue failed to chase down the target and got all out on 208 in 42.2 overs. Sri Lankan spin duo of Jeffrey Vandersay and skipper Charith Asalanka dismantled the Indian batting order.

Vandersay bagged a six-wicket haul, whereas captain Asalanka took three scalps as the hosts won the match by 32 runs. After winning the second fixture on August 4, Sri Lanka took 1-0 lead in the ongoing three-match ODI series against India.

Gautam Gambhir giving inputs about how to counter spin in Sri Lanka conditions: Washington Sundar

The Indian cricket team are all set to play Sri Lanka in the must-win final match of the ongoing three-match ODI series at the same stadium in Colombo on August 7.

Ahead of the must-win encounter, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar revealed that new head coach Gambhir has given inputs on how to play spin bowling in difficult conditions.

“It’s just about finding the way individually and get the job done. A lot of inputs from Gautam Gambhir about how to counter spin in these conditions. He was an excellent player against spin. A bit of change tactically,” Washington Sundar said ahead of the third ODI.

The 24-year-old further added that winning the final match of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka will give confidence to the Indian side. 

“This is a big opportunity for all of us to win this game as we know in such spin friendly conditions against a quality attack, it will help us for bigger tournaments,” Sundar said.

The Tamil Nadu star Sundar also talked about his great outing with the ball in the ongoing white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Sundar said that he always tries to be an asset for the team and trains hard to perform better.

“I am always someone who works hard and tries to be an asset for the team. While bowling, when I am in rhythm, the ball comes out of the hand well,” the off-spinner added.

India’s Tour of Sri Lanka 2024: Squads of both teams for ODI series

India squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

Sri Lanka Squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.

Standbys: Kusal Janith Perera, Pramod Madushan.

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