Discarded India batter Ajinkya Rahane offered candid criticism following the 0-2 Test series defeat to South Africa, which included a heavy 408-run loss in the second Test. He emphasized the need for better communication within the team. Rahane noted that players seemed unsure about their roles due to unclear instructions.
He cited the second Test as an example, suggesting that Nitish Kumar Reddy could have batted at number four in the second innings instead of Kuldeep Yadav being sent as a nightwatchman.
“The players seemed confused because the communication was lacking. We played with nine batters in the second Test. When Kuldeep came to bat at four as a nightwatchman, if you have nine batters, it is important to send batters itself.”
”Nitish Reddy came in at number nine, I feel his contribution could have been better at four or five. You need to take a positive approach rather than looking to protect your batters if you have the depth,” he said on his YouTubechannel.
Rahane Slams India’s Batting Order Confusion, Calls For Stability After Sundar’s Shift
Ajinkya Rahane added that the uncertainty in the batting order left Indian batters lacking confidence and clarity. Washington Sundar, for instance, batted at number three in the first Test but was moved down to number eight in the second. He urged the team to maintain a stable batting lineup in future matches.
“There was confusion in the combination. I have told this before as well that your batting order being set is very important. The top four-five batters should play in the same position, which will give them confidence and role clarity. If you bat at every number, the situations are different and need different skill sets. You top four-five batters should be fixed and should be given that rope, only then can they deliver,” he added.
India were dismissed for 140 in their second innings on the fifth day, lasting only 63.5 overs. Chasing a massive target of 549, they could not salvage the Test.
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