In the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka, India suffered a 16-run loss at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The series was tied at 1-1, and India’s top order faltered as Sri Lanka scored 206 runs. Arshdeep Singh, the Indian bowler, had a particularly difficult time, bowling five no-balls, the most by any Indian bowler in Men’s T20Is. In total, India conceded 7 no-balls and gave away many runs through free hits.

Despite the loss, India’s stand-in captain, Hardik Pandya, refused to blame Arshdeep for the defeat. He said in the post-match presentation, “For Arshdeep, in this situation, it is very difficult. It is not about blaming him or to be too hard on him, but we know no-balls in any format is a crime.” Pandya added that India made basic errors, particularly in the powerplay, and that the team needs to focus on what they can control.

Pandya also revealed why debutant Rahul Tripathi was sent to bat ahead of Suryakumar Yadav at number three. He said, “Rahul is accustomed to playing at no. 3, and, if someone comes in, we want to give them a role they are comfortable with. That’s why he batted at No. 3.”