Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir feels India's 41-run win over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 is more 'convincing' than the team's crushing 228-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.
Gambhir’s comment came after the Men in Blue defended a small total against Sri Lanka to secure a berth in the Asia Cup final.
Opting to bat first, the Rohit Sharma-led side managed to post 213/10 on the board in 49.1 overs as left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage ran through the Indian batting line-up with a five-wicket haul (5/40).
However, the Indian bowlers fought back hard in the second half to bundle out the hosts for a paltry 172 in 41.3 overs. The Lankan batters found it tough to tackle the Indian fast bowlers as well as spinners.
While Jasprit Bumrah (2-30) and Mohammed Siraj (1-17) produced fantastic spells with the new ball, Hardik Pandya (1-14) bowled an economical spell in the middle overs and Kuldeep Yadav (4-43) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-33) ran through Sri Lanka’s middle and lower-order.
"This victory for me was more convincing than Pakistan. We won against Pakistan by 228 runs but this would give them a lot of confidence," Gambhir said on Star Sports.
"There was no doubt about the batting unit. There were always doubts about Jasprit Bumrah coming back after an injury. Then you got Kuldeep and the other bowlers. But defending 213 on this wicket, plus the conditions. I know there was a bit of grip on the wicket but it gripped more in the first innings," he added.
Gambhir further highlighted the importance of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav's stunning exploits with the ball
He also believes that such wins would provide a significant morale boost heading into the final and the upcoming ODI World Cup at home.
"Defending 217 against Sri Lanka, they are a really good side playing against spin. This would give them a lot of confidence going into the final and then the World Cup. Because the moment your Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav start firing, I think it gives a lot of confidence to the captain," Gambhir remarked.
India will now face the winner of the Sri Lanka versus Pakistan Super-4 clash in the Asia Cup 2023 final on Sunday (September 17) in Colombo.
