India we have already secured the ODI series against Afghanistan winning the first two matches gives the team management an opportunity to test different combinations ahead of the upcoming international assignments. With several senior players unavailable for the series, the Men in Blue experimented with their batting order and gave opportunities to many players in the first two games.
While some of these changes have yielded promising results, one particular tactical move caught the attention of the former India captain. He took India’s attitude into account KL RahulAn experienced batter in an ODI setup offers his perspective on how to use it.
KL Rahul is the former Indian captain where he should bat for India
Speaking on the YouTube channel, Chris Srikanth He questioned India’s decision to use Rahul during the Afghanistan series. The wicketkeeper-batsman played an impressive unbeaten knock of 39 off just 19 deliveries in the first ODI after batting at No.5, but was pushed to No.6 in the second match where he was dismissed for a duck. The former India captain believes Rahul’s quality and experience make him more valuable up the batting line-up than as a designated finisher.
“The fact that he is batting at six is ​​not good for KL Rahul and the team. I think he should bat at four or five at most. I think they can go with a rotation policy. In some games, be confident, take a chance and then pick a side,” Srikkanth said.
The former chief selector emphasized that frequent changes in batting position can affect a player’s rhythm and self-confidence. with 2027 ODI World Cup With the rotation already underway, he thinks India should start defining fixed roles for the key players, rather than rotating them around the discipline. Srikkanth also supported the idea of ​​rotating certain players to test the strength of the bench instead of rotating the batting responsibilities of key members of the squad.
Also READ: Mohit Sharma predicts India’s playing XI for ODI World Cup 2027; Kuldeep Yadav runs out
Concerns about players’ workloads after a busy season
Besides discussing Rahul’s batting position, Srikkanth also raised concerns about India’s hectic schedule. The former player questioned the timing of the Afghanistan series, which was played shortly after it ended. IPL 2026 and T20 World Cup. He argued that players should be given enough time to recover physically and mentally before moving on to their next international assignments.
“Afghanistan are not a really big team. It’s sad. Now they’re going to play in Chennai, which is going to be very hot. I don’t know how they’re going to play there. It’s not fair. I don’t think they should be playing in June. The T20 World Cup and the IPL have just finished. Give them a break and we have to focus on the Women’s T20 World Cup a month later? Honestly, no family time, no vacation, and most importantly no mental break.” stated.
India will now face Afghanistan in the third and final ODI on June 20 in Chennai. Having already sealed the series, the hosts may once again test their 11th over as they look to complete the clean sweep.
Also READ: Kris Srikkanth explains why Ravindra Jadeja should play in ODI World Cup 2027
