Srikkanth criticizes Gambhir for altering KL Rahul's batting position
What's the story
Former Indian cricket team captain, Kris Srikkanth, has slammed the team management's decision, led by Gautam Gambhir, to alter KL Rahul's batting position in the ongoing ODI series against England.
He pointed out that Rahul has an incredible record at No. 5 and said that moving him from this favored position to keep a left-right combination is unfair.
Here are further details.
Batting shuffle
Axar Patel's promotion and Rahul's underperformance
Notably, Axar Patel was promoted to No. 5 in the first two ODIs of the three-match series, a move aimed at preserving a left-right combination during middle overs.
Patel seized this opportunity by scoring a quickfire half-century in Nagpur and contributing 41 runs in Cuttack.
However, Rahul, who batted at No. 6 in both matches, failed to make a significant impact with scores of just two and 10 runs respectively.
Strategy questioned
Srikkanth questions team management's strategy
Srikkanth expressed his concerns over the team management's strategy.
He said, "Hey, Gambhir, what you are doing is not right. Yes, depending on the situation, India can send Axar at No. 5 but it cannot be a consistent strategy."
He further warned such changes could lead to a crucial match where everything falls apart and questioned the rationale behind prioritizing left-right combination only at No. 5.
Alternative suggestion
Srikkanth suggests Pant as alternative to Rahul
Srikkanth further suggested that if Rahul is to bat at No. 6, then Rishabh Pant should be given that position.
He voiced his concerns over sidelining Pant and predicted that he might play in the third ODI and the Champions Trophy.
"You should play your best player at No. 5, regardless of whether he is left-handed or right-handed," Srikkanth added.
Performance comparison
Rahul's performance at different batting positions
Rahul boasts of a brilliant average of 57.22 with 1,259 runs in 30 matches at No. 5, a position he last played in the ODI World Cup final.
But his No. 6 stint hasn't been as brilliant with only 54 runs from four matches.
With India leading the series by an unassailable 2-0 margin, team management could give Pant a go in the playing XI for the third and final ODI.