Former cricketers are finding it difficult to digest the 7-wicket defeat against visiting New Zealand in the second ODI in Rajkot on Wednesday. Meanwhile, fans are expressing their anger. Former legends are expressing surprise that despite KL Rahul’s brilliant unbeaten century (112), Team India lost the match.
A section is also defending itself by saying that Daryl Mitchell’s (131 not out) superb innings gave New Zealand a 15-run victory. Had that not happened, India would have easily won the match. However, this defeat has raised questions, particularly about the management’s strategy. The most pressing concerns are about certain players.
Find out which 2 players are lacking forms
It’s surprising that when it comes to selecting a T20 team, everyone, including the selectors, uses words like balance, variety, and utility. However, when it comes to ODI cricket, this approach seems to derail. Former greats are questioning why Arshdeep is consistently overlooked when a left-handed pacer is capable of providing variety to the pace attack. Promising players are being rested due to workload, while certain players are consistently given opportunities.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
This player from Andhra Pradesh was included in the team with the tag of an all-rounder (?). However, how effective or useful an all-rounder at No. 7, especially on Indian pitches, is a different matter. However, the question remains: is Nitish Reddy even an all-rounder? He bats very low, so the captain only gives him two overs to bowl. In such a situation, it’s easy to imagine what Riyan Parag, Harsh Dubey, and Shahbaz Ahmed might be thinking.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja’s batting was not liked by anyone, not just the average fan or the former greats. Jadeja played 44 balls for 27 runs, with a strike rate of 61.36. He managed just one four. Everyone unanimously believes that if Jadeja had batted faster, based on his experience, India’s score would have been closer to 320, and should have been. Jadeja, however, failed to take a single wicket in the eight overs he bowled. His ODI numbers are deteriorating match after match. Consequently, fingers are being pointed at Jadeja.