Former Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmed has cautioned Indian fans about a possible decline in their batting performance following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India suffered a crushing 0-2 whitewash against Sri Lanka in their first ODI series with Gautam Gambhir as the team’s head coach. Following their poor showcase with the bat, Tanvir made some bold claims about the future of Indian batting on his YouTube channel. “All the new batters in this Indian team at the moment, barring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, they cannot carry forward this batting lineup in the future," he said.
Tanvir Ahmed further expressed that India’s batting is likely to suffer a significantly greater decline in quality compared to their bowling, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. “You see what happens to the Indian batting lineup from here on in the future. The bowling lineup might work it out but the batting lineup will find it difficult," he added.
The former pacer claimed that the Men in Blue could only amass big totals in home conditions because of the flat pitches. “They might score runs in their home conditions on flat pitches but on pitches where the ball turns seams and swings this batting lineup of India does not have the life to bat in those conditions," he said.
Tanvir Ahmed opined that India should have comfortably chased down the totals in all three ODIs against Sri Lanka. The ex-pacer claimed that Pakistan could easily take down this version of their arch-rivals. “First look into your own performances and then have suggestions on Pakistan. If Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah do not play against Pakistan, Pakistan will beat India hands down," he said.
India’s recent defeat to Sri Lanka represents their first ODI series loss to the neighbouring side since 1997. Despite missing key all-rounder Hardik Pandya for the three-match series, the squad included most of its star players. However, no batter apart from Rohit Sharma showed up for India during their chase in all three matches.
The world number one ranked team was dismissed for 230 in the first game, resulting in a tie. They ended up losing the next match by 32 runs before suffering another humiliating defeat in the third game. India lost the deciding ODI by a 110-run margin.
India will now have their eyes set on winning the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium starting from September 19.
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