Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid has disagreed with captain Hardik Pandya after the second T20I against Sri Lanka.
The visitors won the game by 16 runs after scoring 206/6 in 20 overs. The Men in Blue, who were reduced to 57/5 at one stage, fought back brilliantly, with Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav scoring attacking fifties.
Even Shivam Mavi played an aggressive cameo, but the required run-rate proved too much for the batters as Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka defended 20 runs in the last over of India’s innings.
Hardik was very critical of Arshdeep Singh, who bowled five no-balls. The youngster was making a comeback to the Indian team and had an ordinary game, giving away 37 runs from two overs.
“I am not blaming Arshdeep but bowling a no-ball is a crime. You have to get your basics right,” said Hardik.
However, Dravid was not convinced and backed the young players. “The team has young players who are bound to make mistakes. But they will improve with every passing game. I will back them in the upcoming games,” said Dravid.