Kumar Sangakkara exploited India’s raw bowling to the hilt

Tags: Asia Cup, 2013-14, India, Sri Lanka, Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara, Century

Published on: Mar 01, 2014

Owing to the lack of senior players in both the batting and bowling department, some pundits felt that India were going into the Asia Cup somewhat handicapped.

Owing to the lack of senior players in both the batting and bowling department, some pundits felt that India were going into the Asia Cup somewhat handicapped. From what was on show in the game against Sri Lanka, their fears came true. There were many moments in the match when it seemed that India had gained the ascendency, but they did not have the players, either with the bat or ball (and even in the field), to complete the job, as a result of which the Lankans scraped through to a close win.

The icy-cool Kumar Sangakkara exploited India’s weaknesses in the bowling department to the hilt. The Lankans were in a major spot of bother when they lost their 7th wicket with the target still a fair way away. However, the former Lankan captain, who has hit a purple patch even this late in his career, held end up and ensured that this team got through in spite of being on the back foot for a significant portion of the chase. His assault on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami was stunning, but the same was done in a very methodical one.

While Sangakkara’s innings was a flawless one overall, the most impressive aspect of his knock was the manner in which he took down the target. Even as Sri Lanka lost some quick wickets to the spinners, Sangakkara did not panic. Bringing all his experience into play, he played out Jadeja and Ashwin without taking many risks. The target did get tougher for the chasing side, but Sangakkara found the gaps superbly against the inexperienced Indian pacemen. In the end, his expertise of the situation, and Kumar and Shami’s lack of experience under pressure proved to be the difference. In short, Sangakkara mastered the chase.

Sangakkara was undoubtedly the hero of the match, but deep down India would know that they played a major part in helping the Lankans win. Batting first, they were in a commanding position to post a match- winning total courtesy a well compiled innings by opener Shikhar Dhawan. But, some poor shot selection and the loss of Dhawan at an inappropriate time hampered India. Ajinkya Rahane and Dinesh Karthik are two men who should look back at their dismissal with a hint of disappointment. Ambati Rayudu also failed to utilise his opportunity. It would be fair to say that India’s inexperience in the batting showed.

Considering the rawness in the Indian side, they were bound to make some mistakes. Even if one takes that into account, their fielding was a big letdown. The clash between Dhawan and Rahane in the outfield could have been avoided; Karthik could have easily stumped Sangakkara had he kept a semblance of cool. For that manner, even in the last over India could have reversed the result had Dhawan hung on to a regular chance. To win against the bigger sides, India must raise their game at key points. This would be Virat Kohli’s biggest test.

--By A Cricket Analyst

Related News