India v Sri Lanka: Hardik Pandya refused to blame Arshdeep Singh for India’s 16-run defeat against Sri Lanka. The fast bowler bowled five no balls in the 2nd T20I.
Arshdeep Singh bowled 5 no-balls in the 2nd T20I. (AFP Photo)
By India Today Web Desk: India T20I captain Hardik Pandya refused to blame Arshdeep Singh for the hosts’ 16-run defeat against Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20I in Pune on Thursday.
The young fast bowler bowled five no balls in the match, including a hat-trick of no balls to Kusal Mendis. India leaked a total of 12 extra runs in the match, with Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik bowling one no ball each.
“In past as well he has bowled no-balls. It is not about blaming but no ball is a crime,” Pandya said at the post-match presentation.
The 23-year-old Arshdeep has now bowled the most no balls in an over for India in T20Is. Previously, the fast bowler had bowled two no balls against Hong Kong last year.
Pandya further said that India had a poor outing in both the batting and bowling departments in the powerplay overs. He pointed out that India made “basic errors” and warned the side that such mistakes cannot happen at international level.
“Both bowling and batting – powerplay hurt us. We made basic errors which we shouldn’t do at this level. Learning should be the basics we can control. You can have a bad day but shouldn’t be going away from basics. In this situation it is very difficult,” Pandya said.
Meanwhile, when asked why debutant Rahul Tripathi came ahead of Suryakumar Yadav at number three while chasing the target of 207 runs, Pandya said he wanted to give Tripathi a role he is comfortable in.
“Surya had a fantastic run at four. Anyone who comes into the team – you want to give them (Tripathi) a role they are comfortable in,” Pandya said.
India and Sri Lanka will meet in the third T20I with series on line on January 7.