5 Ways in which India can level the series

5 Ways in which India can level the series: Sri Lanka’s win in the last game was one of their greatest in Test cricket and all credit must go to Dinesh Chandimal. Herath, who had a poor outing with the ball in the 1st innings, led the charge and bagged his 22nd five-wicket haul to script that remarkable turnaround. The Test also showed us how a couple of bad sessions can change things completely. When India were dominating for the first two days of the game, many believed that Sri Lanka would even lose by an innings, but the way Angelo Mathews and his boys fought back was simply outstanding. India now need to get their act together or they would again be down and out. So how can the visitors make a come back?

Here are the 5 Ways in which India can level the series:

1. Reconsidering the team combination:

The five bowler theory everybody goes ballistic about is no doubt an attacking mindset but it should also be backed up with results. It is no good having 5 bowlers and not getting the desired output from them; and it is quite understandable that one among the 5 will return under-bowled from the match. Harbhajan Singh looked pedestrian at best and being an experienced customer that is inexcusable. Kohli will have to decide whether he wants to play with 4 good bowlers or 5 bowlers who he hopes will come good.

2. Walk the aggression talk:

Sunil Gavaskar came down heavily on Virat for his post match press conference interaction during which he repeatedly talked about the visitors lacking intent. In a way Mr. Gavaskar is right. It is very easy after losing the match to come and say to the media that we should have been more positive, should have played with more ‘intent’. Action speaks louder than words, Virat and Ravi Shastri need to get that before it is harshly told by somebody else. 4 Tests under Virat’s captaincy, and we awaiting a win.

3. Go for the kill:

Not for nothing do former cricketers say that it is important to seal the initiative more than just being ahead in the game. The last Test was a classic example of that. For India, though this is not a new problem. All through the last calendar year they have had the habit of lacking the decisive or the killer instinct on moments it mattered the most. They let the Kiwis make over 600 after being 5 down for 90. India need to address this issue or else they will keep coming close without getting over. And as we all know at the end of the day score line matters. Not just the efforts.

4. Get Pujara in place of Rohit:

All these years the word “Talent” would have been used more for Rohit than his second name. But sadly, the Mumbai lad has failed to grab the opportunities given to him. And time has come to give a fair chance to Cheteshwar Pujara, who not so long ago was piling up runs for India. Having Pujara would also mean that he could play the anchor’s role while the rest of the batsmen bat around him.

Also read: 5 Reasons why Cheteshwar Pujara should be picked for the 2nd Test:

5. Be ruthless when ahead in the game:

The Indians will have to learn the art of finishing Test matches, something they have mastered in limited overs cricket. India was the better side for most of the Test but a couple of bad sessions meant they ended on the loosing side. They will have to decide how do they want to play spin and show more intent whether in attack or defence. That will mean they do not give Sri Lanka any chance of coming back if they are ahead.