Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal commented on Arshdeep Singh’s batting mistake during the first ODI against Sri Lanka. Akmal stated that Singh should have blocked the ball, expressing surprise at how poorly he handled the situation. Arshdeep Singh came under criticism following the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka, which ended in a tie. The match, held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, saw India falter with the bat despite a strong start. Chasing a target of 231 runs, India initially made a solid start with a 75-run opening partnership but struggled as wickets fell regularly. Sri Lankan spinners dominated, putting India under immense pressure and ultimately leading to the tie.
India held by Sri Lanka in 1st ODI
Shivam Dube played a crucial role in India's chase, utilizing his power-hitting against the spinners to bring the team closer to victory. With just one run required and 14 balls remaining, the equation seemed simple. However, a dramatic turn of events unfolded as Arshdeep Singh, tasked with securing the win, opted for a big shot instead of taking a single. His attempt ended in dismissal, leaving India stunned and the match tied. The Indian dressing room was visibly dejected after squandering a winning position. Former Pakistan cricketer, Kamran Akmal, sharply criticized Arshdeep's decision. According to Akmal, the pacer should have prioritized taking a single to allow the more settled Mohammed Siraj to finish the game. Akmal emphasised that this was a clear case of poor shot selection, which cost India the match.
“You see, the work Arshdeep Singh has done, 13-14 balls. If there is one ball to win the match, then you take a chance. 13-14 balls, Kuldeep is playing in front of you. Like Siraj was just stopping. He was playing with the bat. You just had to stop the ball. There were so many balls, Siraj would have done it. Or you, too, on the other end, Wellalage, would not have come forward. Or the fast bowler would have come,” Akmal said on his Youtube channel.
“The runs would have come automatically. If you are facing an off-spinner and if you keep your leg down and hit, then you will be out only. Aur ye kaam, Arshdeep Singh paaji, umeed nahi si tussi aise kroge. (And this work, Arshdeep Singh brother, I did not expect you would do it.) But anyway, no problem. The match should not have come this far. But next time, if this happens, then such runs cannot be done,” he added.
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Akmal also mentioned that Arshdeep should have used the full face of the bat rather than attempting a slog sweep. He acknowledged that both teams played well and emphasised that India would correct their mistakes in the second game.
“It is better to hit with full face, in front. Mid-on is also up. Mid-off is also up. Mid-wicket is also not there. Then it will automatically go from above. Keep your leg and hit slog sweep, the risk increases in that, and then it becomes a little difficult. Anyway, good cricket was played,” Kamran further said.
"But, now we have to see India, Sri Lanka, see how India comes back. They will not repeat the mistake. They will work and come back. They have become a big team for this reason. So, now let's see how well Sri Lanka does. How many mistakes they reduce in the next ODI match," he concluded.
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