'You have one of the best and classy player...': Ex-India selector slams Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill for India's batting order in 1st ODI against Australia

Former BCCI selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth slammed Team India's management for their batting order in the 1st ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. He questioned Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill's decision to send KL Rahul too low in the order, even below Axar Patel.

KL Rahul's performance against Australia

KL Rahul, who was the highest run-getter for the visitors in the opener clash against Australia, came out to bat at number six while Axar was sent to bat over him at five. The duo did make valuable contributions after the top order failure in the overcast conditions. Srikkanth, who was part of India's 1983 World Cup squad, believes that India are not maximising Rahul’s batting potential despite his current excellent form.

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Krishnamachari Srikkanth slammed Indian management

Rahul scored 38 runs in 31 balls, including two fours and two maximums at a strike rate of 122.58. He was looking in good rhythm. Srikkanth believes that KL Rahul deserves a higher spot given his in-form performances and match-winning potential.

"I told before only that KL Rahul should play ahead of Shreyas Iyer. It was an absurd decision by the team and management. You are leaving him and looking somewhere else. If he scores he scores a lot. Axar Patel going higher than KL is absolute rubbish," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Srikkanth further stated that if he was the captain, he would have played him over Shreyas Iyer at number 4 to maximise his talent.

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“The point is not whether Axar played well or not. You have one of the best and classy player in your XI. KL should have come at five. If I was the captain I would even have sent him at four in fact. The conditions in the subcontinent are different than in Australia. He should be playing the maximum number of balls.”

Srikkanth questioned Nitish Reddy's batting position in Perth

Srikkanth also questioned India's batting approach in Perth. He questioned the decision to delay Nitish Kumar Reddy’s promotion despite his big-hitting potential.

"By any chance had they gone up to 160 and did not lose more wickets, the DLS score would be more and probably things could have favored India. If we talk neutrally rain actually saved them. Another mistake they made was by not sending Nitish after KL and Axar got out. You took him as a big hitter in the team then put him in front. Do not go behind the left-right combination," he added.

Australia defeated India by seven wickets in the rain affected first ODI by DLS method. The second ODI between India and Australia will take place on October 23 at Adelaide Oval.