India’s interim bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule shared that the Indian batters will be seen bowling more often now. The beginning of the Gautam Gambhir era has already seen quite a few surprise things with the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh in T20Is and Shubman Gill in ODIs bowling as well. The interim coach also suggested that it could be the way forward for the Indian team with the top-order batters being used as bowlers too.

However, Sairaj Bahutule showcased confidence in the Indian batters to contribute with the ball whenever needed as well.

“I think our batters are good bowlers as well. Their primary skill is batting, so they don’t focus much on bowling, but they have the skills,” Bahutule said in the post-match press-conference. “The more they will practice. Whenever they will be given an opportunity. Like we saw in the T20Is, the way Rinku and Suryakumar contributed and made India win the match. Similarly, Shubman Gill was given an opportunity and, in the coming time, it is definitely going to be an all-rounder’s game.”

“But if in the top four or five, if someone can bowl, that definitely helps the team. Moving forward, you will see more contributions. I think we can use our bowlers as per the situation and the pitch conditions. Somebody who can bowl as a batter, it can be a surprise element for the opponent. So, moving ahead, there will be ample opportunities for the batters to bowl. ”

However, Rinku Singh and Suryakumar turned the table in India’s favour during the 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka. When Sri Lanka needed 9 runs in the last 12 balls, Rinku Singh was asked to bowl the penultimate over as he picked two wickets and gave away just three runs only. Captain Suryakumar, however, bowled the last over when just six runs were needed for Sri Lanka to win. However, by the end of 20 overs, the scores were tied at 137 and India managed to win the Super Over clash as well.