Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has criticised Arshdeep Singh for his lack of game awareness during the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday. The match ended in a tie after Arshdeep was dismissed LBW by Charith Asalanka on the very first ball of his innings while attempting a big slog sweep. At that point, India needed just one run from 14 balls, but Arshdeep's extravagant shot led to his dismissal and marked the fall of the last Indian wicket. This choice of shot has drawn significant scrutiny.
“You can’t expect runs from the tail-enders, but a bit of game awareness is crucial for any cricketer. Arshdeep’s shot isn’t going to impress coach Gambhir,” Dodda Ganesh wrote on Twitter.
The first ODI of the three-match series in Colombo ended in a dramatic tie. Sri Lanka, led by fifties from Dunith Wellalage and Pathum Nissanka, posted a total of 230 for 8 after opting to bat. Wellalage's unbeaten 67 from 65 balls featured seven fours and two sixes, while Nissanka contributed 56 off 75 balls. The total proved challenging due to conditions favouring spin bowlers.
Indian bowlers were effective, with left-arm spinner Axar Patel (2/33 in 10 overs) and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (1/33 in 10 overs) being economical. Seamers Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj each took a wicket. Over the last 20 overs, 118 runs were scored.
In response, India’s chase featured contributions from captain Rohit Sharma (58 off 47 balls), Axar Patel (33), and KL Rahul (31), but they were unable to secure the win. Charith Asalanka (3/30) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/58) were standout performers for Sri Lanka.