Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has slammed the Indian selectors for leaving out Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav from the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The series saw India losing 2-0, marking Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win over India in 27 years.
Basit Ali believes that Jaiswal and Suryakumar could have significantly strengthened India’s batting lineup, which faltered in the series. In his latest YouTube video, the former cricketer stated, “This series has shown that Yashasvi Jaiswal is a far better player than Shubman Gill. It was a massive blunder from the selection committee to not pick Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav.”
India’s batting woes were evident throughout the series. After being bowled out for 230 in the tied opening match, the team struggled further, managing only 208 and 138 runs in the subsequent games. Rohit Sharma was the lone bright spot in India’s batting lineup, emerging as the top run-scorer with 157 runs across three innings, while the rest of the batters failed to make any significant impact.
“They Were Just Looking to Hit Good-Looking Shots and Fours” – Basit Ali Critiques Indian Batters
Basit Ali didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Indian batters’ approach throughout the series. He pointed out that Virat Kohli seemed out of form, but was more disappointed with how the other players handled themselves.
The 53-year-old felt that the Indian batters were more focused on playing attractive shots rather than adapting to the situation. “Yes, Virat Kohli looked out of form, but what were the others doing? They were just looking to hit good-looking shots and fours. Rishabh Pant too hit a four off the first ball. This is not cricket,” Ali remarked.
The Indian team struggled particularly against the Sri Lankan spinners, with leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay taking a six-wicket haul in the second ODI and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage claiming a five-wicket haul in the third.
This series defeat has raised several questions about the Indian team’s selection strategy and the need for a more balanced approach in challenging conditions. The absence of dynamic players like Jaiswal and Suryakumar might just have been the difference-maker.