Former India opener and chief selector Krisnamachari Srikkanth believes that the Indian team management must find a settled combination in the shortest format of the game. Although he did not suggest any drastic change, he said that there is a need to rethink the opening combination.
Srikkanth does not like Dhawan’s approach
The first T20I between India and Bangladesh saw the latter claiming a convincing to win their first-ever T20I against India. With the T20 World Cup in mind, Srikkanth believes that it’s time to think about the combination. He wrote in his column of Times of India, “The defeat in Delhi should not lead to any knee-jerk reaction. With the T20 World Cup in mind, these experiments are required and if you’re not fielding the best side, a reversal has to be accepted as part of the learning.”
He further added that workload management is vital as well and so planning needs to be done accordingly. “However, the team management must find a settled combination sooner than later. Workload management is also vital, so the think tank does have their work cut out. As often in the past, India failed to accelerate during Powerplay. Rohit Sharma often make it up but Shikar Dhawan does fail to shift gears when required and that has cost the team.”
While talking Dhawan Srikkanth suggested KL Rahul’s name as the replacement of Dhawan as Rohit’s partner in T20. He criticized the approach of Dhawan and inability to play his natural game in the format.
“What baffles me is the approach of Dhawan. His inability to go out and play his natural game despite being a senior member is hurting the team. I will stick my neck out and field KL Rahul as an opener in this format. Along with Rohit, the team will have two explosive batsmen when field restrictions are in place.”
Pant has a new supporter
On the other hand, the veteran backed Rishabh Pant, India’s young wicketkeeper. He wrote, “I do understand the logic behind Saha taking over in Test cricket, but Pant should be the primary pick in white-ball cricket.”
Srikkanth also wants to see Pant batting at number four for a decent period. “With Virat Kohli firm at one-drop, I would like to see Rishab Pant to be given an extended (fair) run at four. Let’s face it, the top-four make or break games in T20s. Once we have settled batsmen who are assured of their roles, I am sure India will do well in the World Cup.”
