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Kris Srikkanth has criticized the selectors over India’s T20 squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England. Srikkanth questioned the decision to appoint Tilak Verma as vice-captain, expressed disappointment over Rajat Patidar being dropped and also expressed concern over the selection of Washington Sundar.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 16-member squad for the two overseas tours, starting with a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast on June 26. Shreyas Iyer took over the leadership role from Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Tilak Verma cannot break the bowling like Rajat Patidar – Kris Srikkanth
Speaking on his YouTube channel CheekyCheekaTV, Kris Srikkanth questioned the decision to appoint Tilak Verma as India’s T20I vice-captain. The former chief selector said that Tilak does not have enough leadership experience. Srikkanth also questioned Tilak’s recent performance and effectiveness as a batsman.
“Tilak Verma has not even captained a team yet. He is not in form and does not have the ability to hit big shots. He is not a stormy batsman. He can play the shots, but he cannot destroy the attack like Phil Salt or Rajat Patidar. Tilak Verma cannot destroy the bowling like Rajat Patidar.”
He has not performed well for MI in the last two to three IPLs. He cannot eliminate the opposition from the contest. In his place, he will have to play impressive innings like Patidar.”
Rajat Patidar overlooked despite another stellar IPL season
Rajat Patidar’s omission has taken many fans and experts by surprise. The Royal Challengers Bangalore captain led his team to back-to-back IPL titles and enjoyed another excellent IPL 2026 season, scoring 501 runs at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 192.69. He also hit 42 sixes during the tournament.
Despite being one of the most aggressive middle-order batsmen in the country, Patidar is out of India’s T20I plans. His strong record against both pace and spin makes him a strong contender for selection after another impressive IPL campaign.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar admitted that it was difficult to pick a team due to competition for places. Patidar’s omission remains one of the biggest talking points, especially as he is yet to make his T20I debut for India.
Washington Sundar does not deserve a place in the team – Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth also questioned Washington Sundar’s place in India’s T20 team. The former chief selector argued that Sundar was no longer contributing enough as a bowling all-rounder and was being used primarily as a middle-order batsman.
“Washington Sundar does not deserve a place in the team. He does not even bowl for GT and is playing as a middle-order batsman. So he is a stand-by middle-order batsman for India because he does not bowl at all. He does not bowl for GT and rarely bowls for India too. So it is a question mark as to how sure Sundar is in the team as an all-rounder.”
Sundar bowled only 9.1 overs in 17 matches for Gujarat Titans during IPL 2026. Krunal Pandya enjoyed a productive IPL 2026 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, scoring 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.80 and taking 14 wickets.
Also read: How did Shreyas Iyer become India’s T20I captain in place of Suryakumar Yadav? Report reveals differences between Gambhir and Agarkar
