Kris Srikkanth Sends Strong Message To Gautam Gambhir After India’s Crushing Loss Vs Australia
Kris Srikkanth Sends Strong Message To Gautam Gambhir After India’s Crushing Loss Vs Australia
Photo : AP/X
India suffered a massive defeat by 7 wickets at the hands of Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Before the start of the series, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir had teared into former India opener and chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth for his criticism of Harshit Rana. Now after this defeat, Srikkanth himself has sent a message to Gambhir and the team management, suggesting a major change that they need to make in the playing XI in order to get some results.In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth has demanded the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI. He even said that India should play all three spinners -Kuldeep, Axar Patel and Washinton Sundar – as they would be effective. He also cited the example of Matthew Kuhnemann being effective for Australia in the first innings.
“Who gave them crucial breakthroughs apart from Starc and Hazelwood? It was Kuhnemann. Axar also took an important wicket for us. The spinners had done a good job,” Srikkanth said.
“They would always do a better job. Wrist-spinners are potential match winners. I didn’t understand the logic behind why they dropped Kuldeep. I would still play Kuldeep, Washington and Axar,” he added.
‘Forget Playing Eight Batters’
Krishnamachary Srikkanth highlighted Kuldeep Yadav’s performances in T20Is including the Asia Cup, and in the recent Test series. He also criticized the team management for playing eight batters in the playing XI.
“He is bowling so well in Tests; he bowled so well in the Asia Cup. He has played well in T20s and you say things like on Australian wickets, the ball doesn’t turn, so we aren’t playing Kuldeep Yadav,” Srikkanth said.
“It is a dangerous statement and I don’t understand this. Forget the combination and eight batters. Go for the best players and the best team. How many runs can a number eight batter get you anyway?”
