IND vs SL: In the wake of Indias recent one-day international (ODI) match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, former cricketers Saba Karim and Ajay Jadeja have expressed concerns over Indias experimental tactics. During a match where India needed just a single run to win with 14 balls remaining, Sri Lankas spinners managed to force a tie. Criticism arose when captain Rohit Sharma handed the ball to Shubman Gill, who conceded 14 runs in a critical moment. However, Indias bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule insists this approach will continue, hinting at more surprises in the future.Experimentation with top-order battersShubman Gills latest bowling stint marked the third time he bowled in an international match, and his second in ODIs. Previously, he had delivered three overs in 2023, including one in a Test match against Australia and two during the ODI World Cup against the Netherlands. Despite being hit for 14 runs, the team management stands by their decision, viewing it as part of a broader strategy led by head coach Gautam Gambhir.Looks like Gambhirs new rule is: If you can hold a ball, you can bowl! Rinku Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Shivam Dube all getting a chance. Can we see Kohli next Please! 😂 pic.twitter.com/HfJ7QxOqsv— Kuch Bhi!!!! (@KirkutExpert99) August 2, 2024Building all-round capabilitiesBahutule shed light on Gambhirs vision for the white-ball format, aiming to create a team with versatile players ahead of the Champions Trophy next year and the T20 World Cup in 2026. “Our batters are capable bowlers too,” Bahutule emphasized during a post-match press conference in Colombo. He pointed out that players like Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav had successfully contributed with the ball in previous T20I matches, defending crucial runs and taking wickets.Surprise element in strategyThe strategy of using batsmen as bowlers introduces an unpredictable element to Indias gameplay. Bahutule believes that allowing top-order batsmen to bowl could be advantageous depending on pitch conditions and match situations, potentially catching opponents off guard. This tactic could see cricket stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma rolling their arms in future matches, adding a fresh dimension to Indias game plan.As the ODI series against Sri Lanka continues, cricket fans might witness Kohli or Sharma taking up bowling duties once more. Sharma last bowled during the Netherlands match in last years World Cup, his only bowling appearance in three years. Kohli, too, had bowled twice in the World Cup, marking his sole bowling outing in the past six years.
