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India’s national cricket team has already won the ODI series against Afghanistan, but Kris Srikkanth is still not completely satisfied. The Men in Blue looked dominant and took a 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match ODI series, but KL Rahul’s decision left the former India skipper disappointed..
The 1983 World Cup winner has questioned KL Rahul’s batting status and believes that the senior batsman is not being utilized properly in ODI cricket even as preparations for the ICC World Cup 2026 begin.. Srikkanth also expressed concern about India’s busy schedule and the mental condition of the players.
Debate erupts over KL Rahul’s demotion!
The Indian team management surprised everyone with its decision on KL Rahul’s role in the first two ODIs against Afghanistan. There are already reports coming that Rahul will lose his place in ODI to Ishan Kishan.
In the opening match, the right-handed batsman came in at number five and remained unbeaten on 39 off just 19 balls to help India win the match in Dharamsala.
But in the second ODI, Rahul was pushed to number six, and he failed to make any impact in Lucknow, where captain Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan scored brilliant centuries.
Kris Srikkanth questions India’s use of KL Rahul against Afghanistan
Responding to the call, Kris Srikkanth emphasized that Rahul is one of India’s most experienced middle-order batsmen and should be given a stable position rather than being shifted from one game to another, especially when the ICC World Cup 2027 is not far away.
The former chief selector believes that Rahul performs at his best when he bats at number four or five and warned that changing batting positions regularly could affect his form, confidence and rhythm.
However, the former World Cup winner is not against trying out new players, but there is a better way to do it. He believes that the team can rest some regular players to test its bench strength and give a chance to other options through the rotation system.
Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, “It is not good for KL Rahul and the team if he is batting at number six. In my opinion, he should bat at number four or five maximum. I think they can go as per the rotation policy. Relax the certainties in some games, give chances and then choose the team.”
Kris Srikkanth criticizes India’s busy schedule, asks for a break after IPL
Meanwhile, the second ODI was played in extremely hot conditions in Lucknow and now the final ODI will be played in Chennai. And the former India captain questioned the reason behind playing the ODI series so soon after the busy IPL season and between the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Srikkanth believes that at least a break of a few weeks after the IPL will help the players spend time with their families and return refreshed for the next challenges. And in this video, fans can completely focus on India’s performance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
He said, “Afghanistan is not really a great team. It is sad. Now they are going to play in Chennai, where it will be very hot. I don’t know how they will play there. It is not fair. I don’t think they should play in June. The T20 World Cup and IPL have just ended.
Give them a break, and the Women’s T20 World Cup is on; Why don’t we pay attention to that? Honestly speaking, there should be a break of one month after IPL. There is no family time, no holidays, and most importantly, no mental breaks.“
