TOI Sports Desk
In the opening ODI against Sri Lanka, which concluded in a tie on Friday, opener Shubman Gill was given the opportunity to showcase his bowling skills.Despite conceding 14 runs in his solitary over, Bahutule affirmed that this approach will continue to be implemented in the future.
“I think our batters are good bowlers as well, to be honest. You know their primary skill is batting, so at times, they don’t focus much on their bowling. But they have the skills,” said Bahutule in the post-match press meet.Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan captain and their top batter, demonstrated his all-round skills by bowling 8.5 overs and claiming three wickets for 30 runs.
His victims included Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh, who were dismissed in consecutive deliveries. Asalanka’s crucial contribution helped Sri Lanka secure a tie in the match.
To support his argument, Bahutule cited the instances of Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh being called upon to bowl in the T20I series against Sri Lanka.
The inclusion of these part-time bowlers in the playing eleven highlights the importance of having multiple bowling options in the shortest format of the game.
“You might have seen in the T20Is…Rinku and Surya contributed with the ball. So, an opportunity was given to Shubman here. It’s going to be an all-rounder’s game in the coming days.
“So, if one or two (batsmen) from the top-order can bowl it will definitely help the team, of course, depending on pitch conditions and situations.
“Also, it will be a surprise element to the opposition, if a batter can bowl. So, moving ahead there will be ample opportunities for batters to bowl,” he explained.
Bahutule expressed that the visiting team had the opportunity to build more substantial partnerships, especially after their explosive start to the innings. He felt that they could have capitalized on the strong foundation laid by the openers and constructed a more formidable total.
“To have a tie in ODI is always exciting. Yeah, we should have got that one run and finished off the match. Nevertheless, I thought we bowled really well.
“We did bat well in patches, and we could have had few partnerships that would have taken us (home) with less wickets going,” he said.
Bahutule admitted that the Lankan spinners used the nature of the pitch to the hilt.
“I think the nature of the pitch and the way they bowled…Hasaranga and Asalanka executed their skills very well.
“We tried our best to get into the partnerships, and Shivam (Dube) also batted well and contributed. But yes, we could have put in that one extra effort of scoring that single run.”
The former India leg-spinner said the team should have capitalised on the start given by skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit made a superb 58 off 47 balls that helped India reach 75 in 12.4 overs.
“The start given by Rohit was fantastic, and at one stage it looked like we wouldn’t lose too many wickets. It (the way Rohit batted) was important when the ball was hard and coming onto the bat. I think it was his first ODI innings after the (50-over) World Cup.
“It didn’t look like there was a break. He takes on the responsibility, sets the tone against any opposition, any pace attack. He is very positive in his intent.”