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Indian dressing room, pic: Screengrab BCCI/X

Xtra Time Web Desk: Post a thrilling series finale in Pallekele, Coach Gautam Gambhir delivered an inspiring dressing room speech after Suryakumar Yadav-led India secured a 3-0 series whitewash against Sri Lanka, clinching the final match via a Super Over. India defended a modest target of 138, tying the match at 137 for 8 before triumphing in the tiebreaker.

Gambhir congratulated the team on their victory and praised standout performances, particularly highlighting Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy. "Outstanding captaincy and more important as well because I asked for something before the start of the game and you actually delivered it. This is what happens when you keep fighting. You don't give up," Gambhir said in a BCCI video.

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Watch here:

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Head Coach Gautam Gambhir ???? Hardik Pandya address the dressing room as the action now shifts to the ODIs in Colombo #TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @GautamGambhir | @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/PFrTEVzdvd

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 31, 2024

The Indian coach emphasized resilience and continuous improvement, urging the team to quickly assess situations and adapt to different conditions. He also advised players not involved in the upcoming 50-over format to use the break wisely. "Make sure when you come back for the Bangladesh Series, you can take a break. You absolutely deserve it. But more importantly, keep your skills and especially your fitness levels high," he added, stressing the importance of maintaining fitness for future challenges.

Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh played pivotal roles in India's victory. Sri Lanka, chasing 138, seemed on track at 110 for 1 in 15.1 overs. However, a dramatic collapse ensued, with the hosts losing seven wickets for just 27 runs in 4.5 overs, leading to a tied score.

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Washington Sundar delivered an exceptional performance in the Super Over, taking two wickets and conceding only two runs. Suryakumar Yadav then sealed the win with a first-ball sweep shot, ending the series on a high note. Rinku Singh, impactful with his part-time bowling, picked up two crucial wickets, including Kusal Perera, who top-scored with 46. Despite Khaleel Ahmed's expensive 18th over, which included six wides, India's disciplined bowling kept them in the game.
Sri Lanka's top order, with contributions from Kusal Mendis (43) and Pathum Nissanka (26), had put the team in a commanding position with solid partnerships. However, their inability to close out the game highlighted a recurring issue, as they succumbed to pressure in the final moments.