Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has criticised the team’s batting order changes in the second T20I against Australia, specifically questioning the decision to promote Harshit Rana ahead of Shivam Dube. Head coach Gautam Gambhir sent Harshit Rana to bat after Axar Patel’s dismissal, surprising both fans and cricket experts. The Delhi-born cricketer scored 35 runs off 33 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Xavier Bartlett.
Rana formed a crucial sixth-wicket partnership with Abhishek Sharma. However, his bowling performance was not impressive, as he gave away 27 runs in his two overs during the powerplay when Australian captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head targeted him.“Someone who cooks well cannot be made a driver and a good driver cannot become the cook. Likewise, management should focus on each player’s strengths and primary role in the team, aiming to maximise their performance in that role,” Ramesh said while speaking on a video on his Instagram profile.“If they do something extra, that is well and good. But their secondary skill shouldn’t become the primary role and I fear that is happening in this Indian team. A bowler who can bat needs to deliver with the ball first and likewise, a batter who can bat must deliver with the ball first,” Ramesh said.“The management needs to be clear on this. That is where India are slipping right now,” Ramesh added.India’s batting order changes continued when Sanju Samson was sent to bat at No. 3, ahead of captain Suryakumar Yadav. The move did not yield results as Samson managed only two runs before getting out.“India needs to stop playing musical chairs with their batting order. They would have had a great chance of winning if they had scored 160 to 170. Didn’t Suryakumar Yadav play well at No. 3 in the last match? He was not out as well,” Ramesh said.“Samson went from opening to No. 5 and now from 5 to 3. Because of this, everyone is looking at each other in confusion about who might go in to bat next. Tilak Varma won India the Asia Cup final at No. 4 and you moved him to No. 5.”
