From the time the India-Sri Lanka series began, it was reinforced at every opportunity that the team management and players viewed it as preparation for the tour of South Africa that starts later this month. Virat Kohli, the captain, said as much, while pointing the finger at the crazy scheduling that makes it so hard for India to prevail on challenging overseas trips. Others that addressed the media also welcomed the challenge of playing in un-Indian conditions. But the truth is one month before the first test against South Africa in Elien Conditions, Sri Lanka Exposed them twice in space of few days.
In Kolkata, BCCI explained that They deliberately opted for a green top. However, Team India’s famed batting order immediately reminded BCCI that they are not yet ready to play in bowler friendly pitches, as they crumbled hopelessly against Suranga Lakmal and Co.
As soon as they got flat tracks, in Nagpur and Delhi, Indian batsmen came to their usual best. Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan all played big innings. even Rohit Sharma made a test hundred!
However, the question remains unanswered : Will Team India prosper on Fast and bouncy pitches of South Africa?
If The first ODI at Dharamsala is the testimony of this, then the answer will be big no!
Team India, sans Virat Kohli, who could weds anytime to his longtime girlfriend Anushka Sharma in Italy, once again crumbled meekly on a Elien pitch. Suranga Lakmal once again became their Chief tormentor. At one stage, India were reeling at 29/7.
After Rohit Sharma led team faced the worst defeat in their history, in terms of remaining balls, captain said : it is an eye opener for us.
Indeed, it’s an eye opener for them. Within a month, Sri Lanka exposed them twice and proved they are still not ready to play in Bowler friendly pitches!
