New Delhi: India captain Shubman Gill, left, and head coach Gautam Gambhir during a training session ahead of the second and final Test cricket match of the India-West Indies series in New Delhi. (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan) Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh criticized the changes in the team’s batting order in the second T20I against Australia, specifically questioning the decision to promote Harshit Rana ahead of Shivam Dube. Head coach Gautam Gambhir put Harshit Rana in to bat after Axar Patel’s dismissal, which surprised fans and cricket experts alike. The Delhi-born cricketer scored 35 runs off 33 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Xavier Bartlett.
Gautam Gambhir Press Conference: Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli, Harshit Rana and Delhi on the field
Rana formed a crucial sixth wicket partnership with Abhishek Sharma. However, his bowling performance was unimpressive as he gave away 27 runs in his two overs during the power play as Australian captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head targeted him.“Someone who cooks well cannot become a driver and a good driver cannot become a cook. Likewise, management should focus on each player’s strengths and his primary role in the team, with the aim of maximizing his performance in that role,” Ramesh said in a video on his Instagram profile.“If they do something extra, that’s good. But their secondary skill should not become the primary role and I fear that is happening in this Indian team. A bowler who can bat has to bat the ball first and likewise a batsman who can bat has to bat the ball first,” said Ramesh.“The leadership needs to be clear about this. This is where India is slipping right now,” Ramesh added.India’s batting order changes continued as Sanju Samson was sent in to bat at No.3, ahead of skipper Suryakumar Yadav. The move didn’t yield any results as Samson managed just two runs before getting out.“India need to stop playing musical chairs with their batting order. They would have a good chance of winning if they score 160 for 170. Didn’t Suryakumar Yadav play well at number three in the last match? He wasn’t out either,” Ramesh said.“Samson has gone from opening at No. 5 and now from 5 to 3. Because of this, everyone is looking at each other in confusion as to who could go in to bat next. Tilak Varma won the Asia Cup final in India at No. 4 and you have moved him to No. 5.”
