Saba Karim questions decision to use Gill in crucial over during India, SL tie

Karim also suggested that India might have been better off using all-rounder Shivam Dube for additional overs

PHOTO: AFP

The first ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and India ended in an exciting tie. Chasing a target of 231 runs, India fell just short, scoring 230 runs before being all out. This tie marks only the second time in ODI history that the two teams have ended up with a draw, the first being in Adelaide in 2012.

In a notable move during the match, India allowed star batter Shubman Gill to bowl an over. However, Gill’s over cost 14 runs, which seemed to shift the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Former India cricketer Saba Karim criticized this decision, stating that while the strategy was similar to tactics used in T20Is, it did not work well in this ODI. Karim noted that Gill’s debut over in international cricket turned out to be expensive, which gave Sri Lanka an advantage.

"The thinking was the same as [Sri Lanka captain Charith] Asalanka introducing himself in the attack for Sri Lanka or what India tried in T20Is with Suryakumar Yadav giving the responsibility to Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, and even himself to bowl. But again, this was the first time Gill was bowling in international cricket, and his over turned out to be quite expensive and Sri Lanka, subsequently grabbed the momentum,” Karim said.

Karim also suggested that India might have been better off using all-rounder Shivam Dube for additional overs. Dube had been effective, conceding just 19 runs in his four overs and taking the wicket of Kusal Mendis. Karim believed that Dube’s presence could have provided India with a better spin option given the pitch conditions.

“India needed an extra spin option on this ground, given the conditions. Maybe India could have gone with Dube for a few more overs, and since they did not go that way, Gill was tried, and it did not prove to be the right decision,” he further added.

Looking ahead, both teams will shift their focus to the second ODI of the series, scheduled to be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, August 4.