Gambhir hits out at KL Rahul’s demotion: Just like Samson, Sooryavanshi, you screwed him over

Former India captain and chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management over KL Rahul’s batting position following India’s 27-run defeat by England in the third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday.

The tour of India ended in disappointment as the visitors lost the series 2-1 despite posting 360 in pursuit of England’s mammoth 387. Rohit Sharma led the chase with a brilliant 138 while skipper Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli chipped in with half-centuries. However, India’s middle order failed to capitalize, reigniting the debate over Rahul’s role in the party. England sealed the series after 141 of Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell’s 91 propelled the hosts to a record ODI total at Lord’s.

Rahul walked out to bat only at the end of the 44th over with India needing 84 runs from 36 balls. The wicketkeeper-batsman managed 12 off eight deliveries before the chase ended.

Srikkanth was unimpressed with the decision to send Rahul at No.6 and questioned why one of India’s most reliable ODI batsmen was held back in such a steep chase.

“Will anyone send KL Rahul at number 6 when he is chasing such a huge number? The guy has won you so much in tough chases. Is Rahul a number 6 or 7 batsman?” Srikkanth stated on his YouTube channel.

The 1983 World Cup winner went a step further when he compared Rahul’s situation with that of Sanju Samson and young batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

“Just like you screwed Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, now you screw KL Rahul. This is gross injustice. His body language yesterday also looked like someone nervous,” he added.

RAHUL’S ROLE IN THE GAMBHIR SPARKS DISCUSSION

Srikkanth argued that Rahul should have batted higher up the order, especially given his success during India’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup finals. Batting primarily at No.5, Rahul scored 452 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.33, including a century and two fifties, making him India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

“India needed someone to fill Jose Buttler’s role. But if Rahul starts at No.4, he would fill in for Virat Kohli like he did a couple of times in the 2023 World Cup,” Srikkanth said.

“Instead, he was sent in to bat when the match was over. How is it possible for him to win the game when he needs 15 an over with Axar Patel?”

Ever since Gambhir took over as head coach, Rahul has largely operated at No.6, with Axar Patel often promoted ahead of him. The move paid off during India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, when Rahul completed several matches under pressure.

However, after India’s series defeat in England, questions about the team management’s handling of Rahul’s role have come to the fore again.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

Jul 21, 2026 12:35 PM IST