Kris Srikkanth Rips Apart Gautam Gambhir for Treating KL Rahul Unfairly

With the Champions Trophy approaching, Team India is making final adjustments. One of the biggest concerns is KL Rahul’s fluctuating batting position in the ongoing ODI series against England. Former Indian cricketer K Srikkanth has now criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir for constantly shifting Rahul’s position, which he believes is affecting his performance.

Srikkanth on KL Rahul’s Batting Position

KL Rahul has been one of India’s most reliable wicketkeeper-batters in ODIs. His record at No. 5 is impressive, averaging 57.22 with 1,259 runs in 30 matches. However, in the last two ODIs, the team management promoted Axar Patel to No. 5, pushing Rahul down to No. 6.

Expressing his frustration, Srikkanth said:

“Shreyas Iyer is in good form, which is a positive for India. But I feel bad for KL Rahul. It’s unfair. Axar Patel is scoring 30s and 40s, but what they are doing with Rahul is not right. He has excelled at No. 5, yet they are pushing him down. If he bats at No. 6 or 7, he ends up scoring 6 or 7. I don’t understand what the management is thinking.”

Srikkanth’s Dig at Gautam Gambhir

In the first two ODIs, Rahul struggled, scoring only 2 and 10. Meanwhile, Axar Patel, promoted to No. 5, made valuable contributions. Addressing this, Srikkanth directly questioned Gambhir’s strategy.

“Hey, Gambhir, what you are doing is not right. Sending Axar at No. 5 sometimes is fine, but making it a regular plan is a mistake. If you keep making such changes, one day, in an important match, everything will fall apart. You say it’s for a left-right combination, but why does that only matter at No. 5? What about the top four?”

Rahul vs Pant: A Selection Dilemma for Champions Trophy

KL Rahul has been India’s preferred wicketkeeper in this series, while Rishabh Pant has been left on the bench. However, Srikkanth believes that if Rahul continues to bat at No. 6, India should consider playing Pant instead.

“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 hurt Rahul’s confidence? He has performed brilliantly in world cricket.”

Srikkanth further added:

“Now, you’ve sidelined Rishabh Pant too. One of them has to play. I think Pant will feature in the third ODI and then in the Champions Trophy as well. Rahul might end up warming the bench again. You should play your best player at No. 5, no matter if he is left-handed or right-handed.”

India will enter the third ODI on February 12 with a 2-0 lead. The big question remains—will the team management stick with KL Rahul or bring Rishabh Pant into the playing XI for this crucial match?