India lost the third ODI against Sri Lanka by 3 wickets but won the three-match series 2-1. Having won the first two matches, India decided to make six changes for the final ODI and handed over the debut cap to five players.

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was not pleased with the changes in the side for the third ODI. Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Krishnappa Gowtham, Rahul Chahar, and Chetan Sakariya made their maiden appearances in the 50-over format of the game.

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Gavaskar said the players used to earn the debut cap in their times, unlike now when the newcomers easily get an opportunity in a dead-rubber. “See, this is perhaps the new method. There was a time when players were told that you’ll get the India cap only if you deserve that. This perhaps is the new age and modern thinking where teams feel we have won the series already and why not give a chance to those who have warmed the bench so far,” Gavaskar said on Sports Tak YouTube channel. 

India had won the second ODI due to Deepak Chahar's heroic knock of unbeaten 69 runs when the team struggled at 193/7. Gavaskar feels the team management should take his batting ability seriously. 

“Yes, there are backups. We saw what Deepak Chahar did in the previous match. He proved he could also become an all-rounder. If you remember, Bhuvneshwar had won India a match with his batting a few years back but the management never gave him a chance as an all-rounder and his potential with the bat was neglected,” he said. 

“The management is of the opinion that there is only one player who has the capability. In the last two-three years, other players didn’t get the amount of chances they deserved. That’s why now we are looking towards only one player and talking about his form. Give Deepak Chahar a chance, he could be the answer,” he added.