Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir for his handling of KL Rahul during the current ODI series against England. Despite being favored over Rishabh Pant, Rahul has not been utilized in an optimal batting position. The team management has relegated him to the sixth spot in the batting order, promoting bowling all-rounder Axar Patel to the fifth position in the first two ODIs. Rahul had a commendable performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, proving to be a reliable batsman for India alongside Shreyas Iyer. However, since Gambhir assumed his role, Rahul's batting position has become increasingly uncertain.

In the previous ODI series, Rahul was also moved down the order, as Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube were preferred to maintain a left-right batting combination in the middle.

Srikkanth, known for his outspoken nature, believes that the treatment of Rahul is unjust, given his success at the number five position.

"Shreyas Iyer is in excellent form, which is beneficial for India. However, I feel sympathy for KL Rahul; it is quite unfortunate. While Axar Patel is contributing with scores in the 30s and 40s, the way KL Rahul is being treated is not right. His record at No. 5 is outstanding. I am perplexed by the team management's decisions regarding his batting position. When he bats at No. 6 or 7, he tends to score only 6 or 7 runs. This is simply unfair," Srikkanth expressed on his YouTube channel.

Axar, who was elevated to the number 5 position in the last two ODIs, delivered commendable performances, scoring vital runs of 52 and 41, thereby validating his promotion. Conversely, Rahul's demotion proved detrimental, as he recorded disappointing scores of 2 and 10.

Srikkanth criticized Gambhir's decision to move Rahul down to the sixth position to create a left-right batting combination, cautioning that this strategy could backfire in a pivotal match.

"Gambhir, your approach is misguided. While it may be appropriate to send Axar in at No. 5 depending on the circumstances, it should not become a regular practice. If you continue to implement such changes, there will inevitably be a critical match where everything unravels. That is my concern. You cannot justify this solely based on the left-right combination. Does that imply that the left-right balance is irrelevant among the top four? Why is it only significant at No. 5?" he remarked.

Srikkanth further proposed that if Gambhir intends to maintain Axar at number 5, he should consider Rishabh Pant for the sixth position instead of diminishing Rahul's confidence.

"I have no objections to Axar Patel—he is capitalizing on his opportunities. However, if you are relegating Rahul down the order, then it would be more appropriate to select Rishabh Pant for No. 6. Why compromise Rahul’s confidence? Is it just for a player who has excelled in international cricket?" he concluded.

“KL Rahul might end up warming the bench in Champions Trophy”

Evaluating the present circumstances, the former captain of India indicated that Rahul could find himself on the sidelines during the third ODI and the forthcoming Champions Trophy.

"You have also marginalized Rishabh Pant in this scenario. One of them needs to take the field. I anticipate that Pant will participate in the third ODI and subsequently in the Champions Trophy as well. Rahul may once again be relegated to the bench.

"It is imperative to field your most skilled player at the No. 5 position, irrespective of whether they are left-handed or right-handed," he further stated.

Read Also: Zaheer Khan Warns Gambhir: ‘Instability Could Backfire on You’

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