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'Iyer And Rahul Did Not Practice': Basit Ali Slams Indian Batters For Poor Performance Vs SL

KL Rahul was dismissed fo a 2-ball duck [PTI] KL Rahul was dismissed fo a 2-ball duck [PTI]

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticized Team India's dismal performance in the second ODI against Sri Lanka. 

Basit remarked that the Indian team seemed to have forgotten how to bat against spin, as they failed to chase a target of 241 runs, losing the match by 32 runs. This defeat handed Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

In a youtube video, Basit Ali commented, drawing a contrast between India's cricket performance and their success in other sports. 

He questioned the readiness and competence of Indian batsmen, expressing disappointment in their inability to handle spin. He questioned the readiness and competence of Indian batsmen, expressing disappointment in their inability to handle spin.

This is a very bad performance: Basit Ali

"This is a very bad performance. I remember a movie, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. This morning, India reached the hockey semifinals of the Olympics. But in cricket, it was exactly the opposite of that. The kind of Indian batsmanship that was on the fray, it didn't seem that this is the kind of batting that rules the world," he said.

Basit Ali harshyly criticised the Indian batters, particularly KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who failed to deliver the goods in the second ODI.

"I also feel that Iyer and Rahul did not practice. They came into the series without practice. There are big questions. The first wicket fell on 97 that too, Rohit got out while hitting reverse. Is Rohit the only batsman in the Indian team? There is no other batsman," he added. 

India began their innings strongly with captain Rohit Sharma smashing a half-century ultimately scoring 64 runs. He was well-supported by Shubman Gill, who contributed 35 runs.

However, after this solid start, India’s batting line-up crumbled. Attempts to adjust the batting order with a left-right combination proved ineffective. Sri Lankan spinner Jeffrey Vandersay capitalized on this, taking six wickets and dismantling India's batting line-up. 

Despite a valiant effort from Axar Patel, who scored 44 runs, India was bowled out for 208, marking their second loss in the series after a promising start. 

India will now face Sri Lanka in the third ODI match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on August 5.