India faced a significant setback in their cricketing campaign, suffering a heavy seven-wicket defeat against Australia in the opening One Day International of a three-match series at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Prior to the match, Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, publicly admonished former player and chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth for his comments regarding Harshit Rana. Following the loss, Srikkanth reached out to Gambhir and the team’s management with strong suggestions for changes to the playing XI.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth advocated for the inclusion of spin bowler Kuldeep Yadav in the lineup, advising that India should utilize all three spinners—Kuldeep, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. He highlighted the effectiveness of Matthew Kuhnemann, who provided Australia with crucial breakthroughs, underscoring the importance of spinners in the format. “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 noted.
Srikkanth further expressed his confusion over Kuldeep’s exclusion from the squad, especially considering his recent successful outings in T20Is and during the Asia Cup as well as his solid performances in Test matches. He criticized the decision to field eight batters in the playing XI, arguing that this strategy might not necessarily yield better results. “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?” he questioned.
Srikkanth’s remarks highlight a broader conversation about the team’s strategy moving forward, emphasizing the need to prioritize talent and performance over rigid formations. In challenging times, the hope remains that the team can adjust and turn the series around with a more effective approach.