Indian bowling was suicidal — Tendulkar

GALLE, AUG 23: Despite the disappointment of losing the first match of this triangular series comprehensively, Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar urged fans and critics to show patience. He cited a few reasons for India’s poor performance today, none more damning than the one against his bowlers who he felt were more responsible for the defeat than the batsmen.

“We did not bat well but in the end, I felt we had reached a reasonable total. But our bowlers bowled too short and on a wicket like this, it was suicidal,” Tendulkar said after the match.

Coach Anshuman Gaekwad had nothing to add except: “In the last few days, we have not been able to practice because of rain and the wickets have been too soft for the bowlers to practice.”

“We are working on these defects and, hopefully, as the tournament progresses, we too will improve,” he added.

Are the Indians rusty? Gaekwad nodded: “Look at the Australians. They too appeared jaded in their opening match against Sri Lanka. But today, they were different and played well.”