Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has criticised the Gautam Gambhir-led group administration for altering KL Rahul’s batting place within the ODI collection in opposition to England. Emphasising that Rahul has an excellent report at No. 5, Srikkanth argued that citing a left-right mixture to maneuver the wicketkeeper-batter from his most popular spot within the ODI batting order is unfair.
Srikkanth’s feedback adopted Axar Patel’s promotion to No. 5 within the first two ODIs of the continued three-match collection, which serves as preparation for the Champions Trophy. Axar capitalised on the chance, scoring a 47-ball 52 within the collection opener in Nagpur and a 43-ball 41 within the second match in Cuttack. The transfer aimed to keep up a left-right mixture within the center overs.
Rahul, batting at No. 6 in each matches, did not make an affect. He was dismissed for two off 9 balls within the first sport and managed solely 10 off 14 balls within the second ODI as India chased a goal of 305.
“Shreyas Iyer is in good kind, which is a constructive for India. However I really feel for KL Rahul, it’s very unlucky. Sure, Axar Patel is scoring 30s and 40s, however what they’re doing with KL Rahul is just not honest. Take a look at his report, he has excelled at No. 5, with an excellent report. I don’t know what the group administration is pondering relating to his place. If he bats at No. 6 or 7, he finally ends up scoring 6 or 7. It’s unfair,” Srikkanth mentioned.
“Hey, Gambhir, what you’re doing is just not proper. Sure, relying on the scenario, India can ship Axar at No. 5, but it surely can’t be a constant technique. If you happen to maintain making such modifications, you realize what’s going to occur—there can be a vital match the place every little thing falls aside. That’s what worries me,” he added.
“You may’t justify it by speaking in regards to the left-right mixture. Does that imply you don’t care a few left-right mixture within the prime 4? Why does it solely matter at No. 5?
“I’ve no subject with Axar Patel—he’s benefiting from his possibilities. However if you happen to’re pushing Rahul down the order, then play Rishabh Pant at No. 6. Why undermine Rahul’s confidence?
“Is it honest to a participant who has carried out brilliantly in world cricket?”
YOU HAVE SIDELINED RISHABH PANT TOO: SRIKKANTH
Srikkanth went on to say that if Rahul is for use at No. 6, India would possibly as nicely play Rishabh Pant in his place.
Pant was chosen because the back-up wicketkeeper for the ODI collection and the Champions Trophy however was omitted of the primary two ODIs as India opted for 5 frontline bowlers alongside all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
“Now, what you’ve completed is you’ve sidelined Rishabh Pant as nicely. One in all them has to play. I’ve a sense Pant will function within the third ODI after which within the Champions Trophy too. Rahul would possibly find yourself warming the bench once more.
“It is best to play your greatest participant at No. 5, no matter whether or not he’s left-handed or right-handed,” he added.
Rahul averages 57.22 with 1,259 runs in 30 matches at No. 5, a place he final performed within the ODI World Cup last. In distinction, he has managed simply 54 runs in 4 matches at No. 6 in his ODI profession.
With India having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead within the collection, the group administration could contemplate giving Pant an opportunity within the enjoying XI for the third and last ODI.
