Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has suggested that India’s 41-run win over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 is more ‘convincing’ than the team’s 228-run triumph over Pakistan. Gambhir believes that defending a small total of 213 against Sri Lanka, a team known for its skill against spin bowling, would significantly boost the team’s confidence ahead of the World Cup.
India managed a below-par 213 but the bowlers produced a splendid collective effort to carry their team to a 41-run win, and into the final of the Asia Cup 2023. After Sri Lankan spinners Dunith Wellalage (5/40) and Charith Asalanka (4/18) bamboozled them, India’s total was built around Rohit Sharma’s fifty (53 off 48 balls). However, India bowled out Sri Lanka for 172, led by Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 for 43.
“This victory for me was more convincing than Pakistan. We won against Pakistan by 228 runs but this would give them a lot of confidence,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports.
“There was no doubt about the batting unit. There were always doubts about Jasprit Bumrah coming back after an injury. Then you got Kuldeep and the other bowlers. But defending 213 on this wicket, plus the conditions. I know there was a bit of grip on the wicket but it gripped more in the first innings.”
Gambhir laid emphasis on comeback man Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s performances, stating their contributions boosted the captain’s confidence. He also expressed his belief that these wins would provide a significant morale boost heading into the final and the forthcoming World Cup.
“Defending 217 against Sri Lanka, they are a really good side playing against spin. This would give them a lot of confidence going into the final and then the World Cup. because the moment your Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav start firing, I think it gives a lot of confidence to the captain,” Gambhir added.
India will face either Sri Lanka or Pakistan in the summit clash on Sunday, having entered the final with four points.
