Former Indian cricket captain Kris Srikkanth has expressed disappointment with the team’s management for promoting Harshit Rana ahead of Shivam Dube in the batting order during the second T20I against Australia in Melbourne. India suffered a top-order collapse, falling to 49/5 in the eighth over after losing the toss and being asked to bat first.
In a surprising move, pace-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana was sent in to bat at number seven, while Abhishek Sharma was already at the crease. Rana scored 35 off 33 balls, but his inclusion relegated regular batter Shivam Dube to the number eight position. Srikkanth criticized this decision, stating that it undermined Dube’s abilities and confidence.
Srikkanth pointed out that Rana’s knock was not as valuable as it seemed, as he consumed 33 out of 47 deliveries in his partnership with Abhishek Sharma, leaving Sharma with limited strike. This, according to Srikkanth, disrupted Sharma’s flow and affected his performance. Srikkanth questioned the logic behind this move, suggesting that it was an odd decision that may have been made by the captain or the team management.
The decision ultimately had a negative impact on the team’s performance, as India folded for a sub-par 125 in the 19th over. Srikkanth believes that demoting Dube to the number eight position will only serve to demoralize the left-hander’s confidence. Dube had recently played a crucial knock of 33 from 22 deliveries in the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan at number six.
Srikkanth argued that the team management’s approach seemed to be inspired by the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where teams often wait for a spinner to introduce a specialist batsman. However, this approach is not suitable for T20I cricket, where teams need to be more flexible and adaptable. Srikkanth emphasized that Dube should be allowed to bat regardless of the bowler or the game situation, as he is capable of making a significant contribution to the team.
The Indian team’s poor batting display was compounded by Australia’s dominant performance, as they completed the run chase in just 13.2 overs to take a 1-0 series lead. The team’s management will need to reassess their strategies and make necessary adjustments to improve their performance in the upcoming matches.
