IND vs SL: Gautam Gambhir angry after India's batting collapses? Washington Sundar reveals

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As India gears up for the third ODI to avoid their first bilateral series defeat against Sri Lanka since 1997, all-rounder Washington Sundar addressed a press-conference on Tuesday, August 6.

The India batting unit has collapsed in both the sides after good starts by the openers. In the firs ODI, India settled for a tie after a 75-run partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. They team got bundled out for 230.

In the second ODI, the partnership between the openers accounted for 97 runs, but India were eventually bundled out for 208 while chasing 241. Sri Lanka spinners picked nine wickets each in both the matches. Part-time spinner Charith Asalanka has also picked six wickets from the first two ODIs.

Washington Sundar has revealed that newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir is giving his inputs on how to play spin bowling in difficult Sri Lanka conditions. The youngster said that batters will have to individually find a way and make some tactical adjustments to tackle the quality spin bowling from Sri Lanka.

"It's just about finding the way individually and get the job done. A lot of inputs from Gautam Gambhir about how to counter spin in these conditions. He was an excellent player against spin. A bit of change tactically," Washington Sundar said ahead of the third ODI in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7.

The 24-year-old added that winning the third ODI will help boost their confidence in future matches under such situations. Notably, Sri Lanka are the co-hosts of T20 World Cup 2026 with India. There could be a possibility of India playing their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Sri Lanka.

India played their Asia Cup 2023 matches in Sri Lanka after refusing to travel to Pakistan. Pakistan are also the official hosts of Champions Trophy which will be held in February-March next year.

"This is a big opportunity for all of us to win this game as we know in such spin friendly conditions against a quality attack, it will help us for bigger tournaments," the Tamil Nadu star said.

Washington Sundar also talked about his impressive run with the ball in Sri Lanka. He picked four wickets including two in the Super Over of the final T20I against Sri Lanka. He was impressive in the first ODI, and also registered figures of 3/30 in the last match.

"I am always someone who works hard and tries to be an asset for the team. While bowling, when I am in rhythm, the ball comes out of the hand well," the off-spinner said.