Former captain Srikkanth has slammed Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and co for altering KL Rahul’s batting position in the ODI series against England. Emphasising that wicketkeeper batters have an outstanding record at No. 5.
But with a reason on left-right combination to move the wicketkeeper-batter from his preferred spot in the ODI batting order is unfair.
Cheeka’s comments come after Axar Patel‘s promotion to the No.5 spot of the ongoing three-match series, which serves as preparation for the Champions Trophy.
However, Axar Patel seized the opportunity scoring a fifty in series opener in Nagpur and 41 in the second match in Cuttack of the England’s tour of India 2025. The move aimed to maintain a left-right combination.
“Shreyas Iyer is in good form, which is a positive for India. But I feel for KL Rahul, it’s very unfortunate. Yes, Axar Patel is scoring 30s and 40s, but what they are doing with KL Rahul is not fair.”
“Look at his record, he has excelled at No. 5, with a brilliant record. I don’t know what the team management is thinking regarding his position. If he bats at No. 6 or 7, he ends up scoring 6 or 7. It’s unfair,” Srikkanth 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.”
“If you keep making such changes, you know what will happen—there will be a crucial match where everything falls apart. That’s what worries me,” he added.
“You can’t justify it by talking about the left-right combination. Does that mean you don’t care about a left-right combination in the top four? Why does it only matter at No. 5?
“I have no issue with Axar Patel—he is making the most of his chances. But if you’re pushing Rahul down the order, then play Rishabh Pant at No. 6. Why undermine Rahul’s confidence?
“Is it fair to a player who has performed brilliantly in world cricket?”
Srikkanth went on to say that if Rahul is to be used at No.6, India might as well play Rishabh Pant in his place.
Pant was the first choice wicket-keeper for the ODI and Champions Trophy but was left out of the the first two ODIs as India opted for five frontline bowlers alongside all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
“Now, what you’ve done is you’ve sidelined Rishabh Pant as well. One of them has to play. I have a feeling Pant will feature in the third ODI and then in the Champions Trophy too. Rahul might end up warming the bench again.
“You should play your best player at No. 5, regardless of whether he is left-handed or right-handed,” he added.
KL Rahul have averaged 57.22 with 1259 runs in 30 matches at No.5 position. Meanwhile he managed to score only 54 runs in four matches while playing at No.6.
With India having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, the team management may consider giving Pant a chance in the playing 11 for the third and final ODI.
The third and final match of the ODI series will be played on February 13 at Narendra Modi Stadium.
