Indian great Sunil Gavaskar believes the team’s paltry batting performance was the reason why they lost the first ODI against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka on Sunday. India was skittled out for a mundane score of 186 runs after Litton Das won the toss and decided to bowl first.

The visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals and could not get a partnership. KL Rahul top-scored with 73 runs from 70 balls but none of the other batters could get going.

Shakib Al Hasan scalped five wickets and became the first Bangladeshi spinner to take a five-wicket haul against India. Furthermore, Ebadot Hossain took four wickets for Bangladesh as the hosts came up with a fine bowling show. It was a slow pitch and it wasn’t easy for the batters to get going.

Sunil Gavaskar told Sony Sports Network: “I think India didn’t score 70-80 more runs is the reason why they lost.”

Gavaskar added: “When you are asked to chase less than 4 runs an over. Like Bangladesh were asked to chase, automatically, the pressure comes down. Bangladesh made it difficult for themselves by playing ultra cautiously. That’s what got them into trouble.”

On the other hand, India had a chance to seal the match but KL Rahul dropped Mehidy Hasan’s catch when he was on 15. The right-hander went on to score an unbeaten knock of 38 runs to get Bangladesh over the line. However, Gavaskar believes Rahul’s drop was not the only reason for India’s loss.

“You can’t really say that was it. Because yes, I think that was the last wicket. That should have made the match over. But the fact that India scored 186, I think you gonna look at that as well.”
Gavaskar continued:

“The bowlers did wonderfully well, to get themselves in a position where they were 136-9. And then Hasan Miraj came, they had a bit of luck with that drop catch, but he played really well. He played sensibly. They took the attack to the opposition and played some bold shots.”

India and Bangladesh will play the second ODI at the same venue on Wednesday.