IND vs SA: "Don't make it a habit"- Kris Srikkanth openly revolts against KL Rahul batting at six in ODIs

KL Rahul scored a half-century against South Africa in Ranchi.

The Indian team made a victorious start to the ODI series against South Africa after what was a forgettable whitewash in tests. The contest was tilted heavily in India’s favour until the first power play of the second innings, when South Africa lost early wickets while chasing a target of 350.

However, the Proteas fought their way back into the game, but India managed to pull off a 17-run victory to take the lead in the three-match series. Multiple players showed up on the day for India to drive South Africa out of the game. Stand-in captain KL Rahul also had a big hand in putting India in a comfortable position at the end of the first innings.

Kris Srikkanth not convinced with India’s batting order in ODIs

Former India captain and Chairman of Selectors, Kris Srikkanth, expressed his reservations about KL Rahul batting at no.6, and Washington Sundar being promoted to no.5.

“I don’t know about Washington Sundar going ahead of him. If KL Rahul had batted higher in the order, it would have been better for India.”

“He should never go below 5. Yes, it was a successful move in the Champions Trophy. But I don’t think you should make it a habit. He should be batting at No. 4 or 5. Washington Sundar can go as a finisher rather than coming in at No. 5,” said Srikkanth, urging the team management to harness Rahul’s potential at No.5.

Also Read: IND vs SA: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak credits Harshit Rana for India’s win in the first ODI

“Classy Rolls-Royce Rahul” – Kris Srikkanth hails KL Rahul

Kris Srikkanth heaped praises on KL Rahul’s batting technique and the calm with which he played. He said:

“Classy Rolls-Royce Rahul, India can’t do without him. He scored his 60 with effortless ease. Once he struck that six off Burger, he was unstoppable. But I don’t understand why KL Rahul comes into bat at No. 6. He should be batting at No. 4 or 5, not beyond that. I don’t understand this logic at all.”

The former India captain also talked about the significance of the partnership between KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.

“His (Jadeja) knock of 29 (32) from 17 (20) balls went unnoticed. He also actually played at a different level. The final KL Rahul-Jadeja partnership was outstanding but went unnoticed. That was a key and both clobbered the bowling given their strike rates in the partnership. Nobody saw that effect because everything was overshadowed by Virat Kohli’s knock. They did the job silently without making noise about it,” concluded Srikkanth.

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