Indian team is leading the 3-match ODI series against England 2-0. But the batting order hasn’t amused many people. Be it that last-minute experiment of putting KL Rahul on the bench with Shreyas Iyer or the discussion regarding the batting positions of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, there are many unresolved issues with the team. Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth laid direct accusations on head coach Gautam Gambhir about ruining the roles for wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul.
In a YouTube video, star of the 1983 World Cup, Kris Srikkanth spoke his mind when asking a few tough questions to Gautam Gambhir. Srikkanth in particular remained puzzled as to the way Rahul had been used during the ODI series against England.
“Shreyas Iyer is in great form, which is good for India. But KL Rahul is really unfortunate. Axar Patel might be scoring thirties, but this is not fair to KL Rahul. As far as I know, his record at No. 5 has been tremendous. I don’t know what they think regarding his position in the dressing room. When he comes to bat at No. 6 or 7, he ends up scoring only 6 or 7 runs”, Srikkanth said.
Attacking Gambhir, Srikkanth continued saying that Gambhir’s decision to play Axar Patel over KL Rahul is wrong. Although the left-hand-right-hand theory has been put forward behind this decision by the Gambhir-led team management, Srikkanth remains unconvinced.
Gambhir got quite some flak about putting Axar at 5, in spite of the circumstances and this is not an option that India can adopt regularly. “If you keep tinkering with the batting order, on some odd occasion your team needs to perform in a match that could make or break everything. This is what really bothers me,” Gambhir said.
He replied thus when asked about the left-right combination. “Is it only at No. 5 that you’d talk about left and right? Does it mean you don’t care about a left-and-right combination in the top four?
“I have no issues with Axar Patel-he is making the most of his chances. However, if you’re pushing Rahul down, then play Rishabh Pant at No. 6. Why sideline Rahul’s confidence?
“Is it fair to a player who has performed wonderfully in world cricket?”
Former Indian cricketer went even a step ahead and posed questions regarding the decision to bench Rishabh Pant, who has failed to make an appearance in the first two matches against England.
“What has happened now is you have sidelined Rishabh Pant. One has to play. In the third ODI, Pant may just feature, and then in the Champions Trophy as well. Rahul could end up with no option but to sit out again.
“You should have your best player at No. 5, whether he is left-handed or right-handed,” he went on.
