Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja praised Team India for continuing the limited-overs series despite big names missing from the team. Notably, 9 players of team India were absent from the squad for the 2nd and 3rd T20I. Also, pacer Navdeep Saini got injured in the 2nd T20I which forced management to hand debut cap to net bowler Sandeep Warrier.
Meanwhile, India won the game in a dominating manner by defeating Sri Lanka by 38 wickets in the first T20I. However, Krunal Pandya was tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of 2nd T20I. Which eventually led to 8 players go for self-isolation as they were in close contact with Krunal. The list of players includes Hardik, Shaw, Yadav, Manish Pandey, Deepak Chahar, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ishan Kishan, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
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However, despite missing big names India continued playing the series with only 5 batsmen. Ramiz Raja lauded team India for this move. Also, he pinpointed the Indian batsmen’s failure against the spin bowlers in the series. In his latest YouTube video, the former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja asserted:
“India always had talent and potential in batting but this time, they had inexperienced hands. Unfortunately, the situation was tough for them. Their regular players weren’t available, which also included some match-winners, due to the Covid situation. When you are inexperienced, you have no reference point when you get stuck since you haven’t been in that situation before. That is why Team India struggled.
“The Indian batsmen did not play spin well, which is definitely a matter of worry. Generally, they bat very well against spinners. This time though they did not use their feet and credit to Sri Lankan bowlers for not allowing them to do so,” Raja said.
“Team India had issues but the brain-thrust would be disappointed. Youngsters had a great opportunity to get a flavour of international cricket. It was a good decision by India not to abort the tour but the batters and bowlers could not perform in the last two T20Is,” he added.
Varun Chakravarthy will have to bring more variety: Ramiz Raja
Meanwhile, Ramiz Raja also gave his opinions on the Indian bowling unit. He praised Rahul Chahar for his awesome spell in the 3rd T20I game. While talking about Varun Chakravarthy he said the mystery spinner needs to bring variety in his bowling.
“If you look at the bowling, Rahul Chahar was the best of the lot but Varun Chakravarthy will need to bring in more variety, he bowled at the same pace throughout. On this pitch, he could have bowled with more flight and pace at times. He was too predictable,” Raja said.
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