India’s batting line-up raised many eyebrows after the experiment backfired in the second T20I against South Africa on Thursday (December 11). Continuing the continuous reshuffle of the batting order, the Indian team-management also decided to change the position of captain Suryakumar Yadav.
While the right-handed batsman usually bats at number three, he was sent in at number four when the team was chasing a mammoth target of 214 runs. Axar Patel was sent to bat at number three but his move did not work and India had to face a crushing defeat in the match by 51 runs.
Also read: He hates Hardik: Shocked fans criticize Irfan Pathan after he takes aim at Hardik Pandya for India’s defeat in the second T20I.
Batting first, South Africa made a big score of 213/4 in 20 overs. Quinton de Kock was the best of the South African batsmen, scoring 90 off just 46 balls. In reply, India was out for only 162 runs. Tilak Verma (62) was the only Indian batsman who showed some fight but his efforts were not enough to lead the team to victory.
Robin Uthappa criticizes Gautam Gambhir:
After the match, former India batsman Robin Uthappa did not mince words and criticized the Indian team management for constantly changing the batting order. Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn echoed the same sentiment and Robin Uthappa warned the Men in Blue against such late-stage experiments ahead of the T20 World Cup.
“To be honest, I don’t see it that way. I’m just going by his words. In the pre-series press conference, he said the opening pair is set, but everyone else is moving pieces who need to be flexible. With all due respect, I disagree. When you’re chasing a big score, your solid batsmen – your best batsmen – should be coming through.” Robin Uthappa said on JioHotstar.
“If you send a pinch-hitter, he should play like that. If Akshar was sent as a pinch-hitter today, he should not have made 21 off 21; he should have worked hard and tried and got out. But even that plan doesn’t convince me. After losing a top batsman in the first or second over, you need stability at the crease. Something feels strange here, and India needs to fix it before it becomes a habit.” Will have to do.” He said.
Dale Steyn on India’s batting order:
Steyn, on the other hand, said that the Indian team-management had ‘thrown Axar to the wolves’ by promoting him to number three when the team was chasing a huge target.
“He’s supposed to be your best batsman. It’s not a trial-and-error situation – it’s just a big mistake in my opinion. And yes, Axar can bat, but sending him there felt like throwing him to the wolves. What was the role? If he came in to slog from the first ball, fine. Or if Abhishek was out first and you wanted to maintain the left-right combination, that also makes sense.
“But he was a right-hander who got out, and you end up with two left-handers at the top. There are a lot of question marks there. Maybe there is experimentation going on, as is happening in South Africa. But tonight, in a match where you could have been 2-1 ahead, I would have sent my best batsman and kept things simple,” Stan said.
Robin Uthappa’s message for Gautam Gambhir:
As Gautam Gambhir continues his experimentation with the batting order, Robin Uthappa sent a timely message for his former India and IPL teammate. The former cricketer turned commentator said that the top three in the batting order should be decided. He also said that the team should not change the batting order in the first six overs.
“Your top three should be fixed, whether you are setting the target or chasing the target. These are specialist roles. Flexibility has its place, but it comes after the first six overs, once you have built a foundation. You cannot build that foundation when players do not know their role on a day.
“Using a pinch-hitter is fine only in the right scenario – for example, if Abhishek gets out early and you maintain the left-right combination while sending your best batsman. If he had come in at one go, he would have got around 60 balls; instead, he went to No. 4. This constant experimentation has been going on for some time, and I am worried that it will hurt India at a crucial stage of a major tournament. You wouldn’t want that to happen in the World Cup,” He said.
