SerpApi.Org
Former India captain and chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has slammed Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management over KL Rahul's batting position after India's 27-run defeat to England in the third ODI at Lord's on Sunday.
India's tour ended on a disappointing note as the visitors lost the series 2-1 despite posting 360 in pursuit of England's mammoth 387. Rohit Sharma led the chase with a brilliant 138, while captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli chipped in with half-centuries. However, India's middle order failed to capitalise, reigniting the debate around Rahul's role in the side. England sealed the series after Ben Duckett's 141 and Jacob Bethell's 91 powered the hosts to a record ODI total at Lord's.
Rahul walked out to bat only at the end of the 44th over, with India needing 84 runs from 36 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter managed 12 off eight deliveries before the chase fizzled out.
Srikkanth was unimpressed by the decision to send Rahul in at No. 6, questioning why one of India's most dependable ODI batters was held back in such a steep chase.
"Will anyone send KL Rahul at No. 6 when chasing such a huge total? That guy has won you so much in tough run-chases. Is Rahul a No. 6 or 7 batter?" Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
The 1983 World Cup winner went a step further, comparing Rahul's situation with that of Sanju Samson and young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
"Just like you screwed up Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, now you are screwing up KL Rahul. This is gross injustice. His body language also looked like someone nervous yesterday," he added.
RAHUL'S ROLE UNDER GAMBHIR SPARKS DEBATE
Srikkanth argued that Rahul should have batted higher up the order, especially considering his success during India's run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Batting primarily at No. 5, Rahul scored 452 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.33, including a century and two fifties, making him India's fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
"India needed someone to do the Jos Buttler role. But if Rahul had gone in at No. 4, he would have complemented Virat Kohli like they did a few times in the 2023 World Cup," Srikkanth said.
"Instead, they sent him out to bat when the match was over. How was he possibly going to win the game needing 15 per over with Axar Patel?"
Since Gambhir took over as head coach, Rahul has largely operated at No. 6, with Axar Patel frequently promoted ahead of him. The move paid dividends during India's Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, when Rahul finished several matches under pressure.
However, after India's series defeat in England, questions over the team management's handling of Rahul's role have once again come to the fore.
