India in Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri Need to Boost Team Morale, Says Sunil Gavaskar
India lost the first Test by 63 runs to go down 1-0 in the three-match series. Dinesh Chandimal's unbeaten hundred and Rangana Herath's seven wickets led to Sri Lanka's victory at Galle.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has termed India's 63-run loss against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle as "terrible" and wants captain Virat Kohli and director Ravi Shastri to lift the team after a "demoralising" defeat.
"This is the kind of loss that can demoralise the team. Virat and Ravi Shastri need to lift the morale of the team. The Indian team has the talent to bounce back, they just have to start believing in themselves," Gavaskar told NDTV. (Highlights | Report | Pics)
India, set a victory target of 176 runs, were bundled out for 112 in their second innings after lunch on the fourth day to give Sri Lanka the lead in the three-match series. Rangana Herath grabbed seven wickets while Dinesh Chandimal hit an unbeaten century to help the hosts go 1-0 up.
"It would have to be one of the terrible losses that India have suffered. If you get a big lead like this then you expect to win the match. But despite that India failed to step up while bowling and batting in the second innings," said Gavaskar. (We failed to Capitalise, Says Kohli | Mathews Credits Teamwork)
India failed to counter-attack while chasing a small total and Gavaskar opined that the Kohli-led side should now focus only on the game.
"We should now stop talking about aggression and tentativeness. We should just focus on the game and it is important to play good cricket," Gavaskar added.
Rohit Sharma, who was preferred ahead of Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara, blew away another opportunity by scoring nine and four in his two innings at Galle. However, Gavaskar backed Kohli's faith in the Mumbai batsman.
"Rohit is capable of playing big innings and I back Virat's faith in him," the former India captain said. (Kohli Defends 5-Bowler Strategy | 'Will Discuss DRS')
Gavaskar also praised the Lankan team for their fighting spirit.
"They played positive cricket throughout the match. (Kumar) Sangakkara and (Angelo) Mathews steadied the ship and it allowed Dinesh Chandimal and other batsmen to play freely. Sri Lankans need to be given credit for their comeback," he added. (No Excuses, There's a Lot to Learn From Galle Defeat, Says Virat Kohli)