Four reasons why India lost to Sri Lanka in second ODI

Fans expected a better performance from Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka but apart from Gambhir rest fell flat and could not spell their magic. It is debatable what went wrong for Team India but here are four major reasons which played their part in the lost of India to Sri Lanka.

Haste makes Waste: It is a well known proverb that “Haste makes waste” and this is what Indian captain did after winning the toss. India decided to bat after winning the all important toss. Though this stadium was established in 2009 but first international one day match was played in 2011. This pitch isn’t too old. Therefore, a prudent decision would have been to bowl first despite winning the first game, as India being outsiders are not aware about the way it behaves at Hambantota. The wind messed up their plans big time.

Good bowling performance by Sri Lanka’s pace attack: Sri Lanka bowlers were bashed in the first ODI and today they made the change by bringing Udana in for Kulasakera. Though he was listless and went for runs but the rest of the bowlers were exceptional. Perera and Mathews dented the Indian side badly with their economical and wicket to wicket bowling. Both of them bagged three wickets each.

Poor shot selection: Apart from good bowling from the bowlers Indian batsmen also played a major role in their destruction by playing some useless and poor shots. They lost wickets at crucial time and never recovered again. Some of the strokes the Indian batsmen played were worth looking at again and will easily make it to the “What not to do at the batting crease when in trouble”!

Over Confidence: It seemed that Indian batsmen were over confidence after piling up a mammoth total in the first ODI and winning it comprehensively. They were not able to set a target for the bowlers to play with. Their over confidence attitude led to their demise Where on the other Sri Lanka came back strongly and proved the point that a lion roar back strongly and ferociously.