Overview:
Srikkanth made it clear that India’s struggles in big chases are largely due to the absence of Virat Kohli. He believes the team is lacking a reliable and experienced batter who can control the game and deliver when the pressure is high.
Former India selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth strongly criticised Tilak Varma after his dismissal against South Africa in Sunday’s T20 World Cup match. Tilak was already under pressure because of his low strike rate before the Super 8 game. His innings ended very early when he played a poor shot in the second over while India were chasing 188. Losing an early wicket increased the pressure on the rest of the batting lineup.
Not long ago, Tilak was one of India’s key players in their Asia Cup victory, playing an important innings in the final against Pakistan. However, after returning from the injury he picked up during the T20I series against New Zealand, he has struggled to get back to his best form. In this T20 World Cup, he has scored 107 runs in five games at a strike rate of 118.88, prompting questions about his role in the team.
Srikkanth openly questioned India’s team selection and was unhappy with Tilak’s shot. He suggested that changes might be needed in the playing XI. He also hinted that Sanju Samson could come into the team in place of Tilak after what he called a “very bad” shot in the previous match.
“If Sanju Samson is included in the playing XI, then Tilak Varma may have to make way. A lot of people are already raising doubts about Tilak’s spot in the team. After the shot he played against South Africa, there’s a strong possibility he could be left out of the next game. It was a horrible shot, and after attempting something like that, he didn’t deserve to stay,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Srikkanth made it clear that India’s struggles in big chases are largely due to the absence of Virat Kohli. He believes the team is lacking a reliable and experienced batter who can control the game and deliver when the pressure is high.
“Kohli earned the Player of the Match award in three of our biggest run-chases in the T20 World Cup. His absence has left a major gap because there’s no one like him who can control a chase under pressure. Without a finisher of his quality, India will find it hard to chase down large targets. Teams will now look to bat first and put India under scoreboard pressure,” Srikkanth addded.