Harsha Bhogle Questions India’s Batting Approach vs Sri Lanka

Harsha Bhogle criticised India’s batting approach on Day 4 of the first Test against Sri Lanka, questioning whether the side used enough urgency in its second innings despite setting a target of 372.

India began the innings with a lead of 178 but were bowled out for 193. Rishabh Pant led the scoring with 66 from 69 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul were the only other India batters to reach double figures. The total left Sri Lanka needing 372 to win, but Bhogle’s concern was the amount of time India had used without adding sufficient runs, particularly with rain a possible factor.

Bhogle raises concern over lost time

The commentator said India’s approach in the final phase of the innings was difficult to understand. In a post on X, Bhogle wrote: “Not quite sure what India’s approach was in the last 40 minutes or so. They took time out of the game but didn’t put too many runs on the board. I would have thought that with uncertain weather, they might give themselves as much time as possible.”

He followed that concern with another post noting that the ground staff were ready with covers. Bhogle’s point was that rain interruptions could limit India’s opportunity to take the 10 Sri Lanka wickets required for victory. While the target of 372 is substantial, the available time in the match was an important part of the equation after India’s second-innings dismissal.

Pant’s 66 off 69 deliveries was India’s standout contribution in the innings. His score accounted for a significant share of the 193 total, with Padikkal and Rahul the only teammates besides him to make double-digit scores. India’s lead from the first innings had given them room to establish a demanding chase, but the pace at which the declaration situation developed drew Bhogle’s scrutiny.

The debate centres on the balance Test sides must strike when setting a target. A larger total can increase the difficulty of a chase, while extra batting time can reduce the overs available to bowl an opponent out. Bhogle suggested that, given the uncertain weather, India could have prioritised preserving as much playing time as possible.

Padikkal reflects on return to Test cricket

Padikkal, meanwhile, spoke after the day about the importance of Test cricket to him following his return to the format. Playing his first Test in nearly two years, he made 167 and 44 and played a major role in India’s position in the match.

“I think I have always been aware that Test cricket is my ultimate goal,” Padikkal said in the post-day press conference. “So, I have tried to model my game in such a way that I don’t go too far away from my basics. I try to make sure that I am in a place that I am always equipped to switch to red ball because that is my first priority.”

He also described the adjustments needed when moving between white-ball and red-ball cricket, saying his hands are a little closer in red-ball cricket and that the mental shift between formats is not easy. Padikkal said he believes he has improved in making that transition and hopes to continue doing so.

India’s 372-run target now frames the closing stages of the first Test, but Bhogle’s assessment underlined the significance of every lost minute if rain affects the contest. The focus will be on whether India have enough time to convert their advantage into the 10 wickets needed for a win.