Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 30: India secured a 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka after winning the opening Test by 165 runs and drawing the second match, but former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for urgent action over the team’s repeated no-ball errors.

Led by Shubman Gill, India put up a strong performance in the two-match series. While the opening Test ended in a comprehensive 165-run victory for India, the second Test was drawn, allowing the visitors to clinch the series 1-0.

Several players produced notable performances during the series, including Devdutt Padikkal and Sri Lankan all-rounder Sonal Dinusha. However, India's bowling discipline also became a major talking point after the team conceded several runs through no-balls.

India bowled 13 no-balls in the second Test, prompting Gavaskar to call for stricter punishment to prevent such mistakes.

“The no-balls being bowled by the Indian bowlers came in for a fair bit of comment. This has to be looked at urgently because it can change the colour of the game,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

The former India captain pointed out that avoiding a no-ball is one of the aspects of cricket completely under a bowler's control.

“There are very few aspects of the game that are totally in the players' control, and a batter taking guard and a bowler not bowling a no-ball are two such aspects,” he wrote.

Gavaskar also highlighted that modern technology makes it easier for bowlers to ensure they do not overstep the crease.

“Today, with a tape measure available to mark the run-up, there should be no excuses for overstepping the bowling crease,” he said, calling for the issue to be addressed urgently.

India will now turn their attention to the shortest format, with Afghanistan set to be their next opponents.

India and Afghanistan will face each other in a three-match T20I series, with all three games scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17.

The Indian team is expected to feature several prominent names, including Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as the side looks to continue its winning momentum against Afghanistan.

With the Test series against Sri Lanka successfully secured, India will be aiming for another strong performance when the T20I campaign begins in September.