Former India opening batter Sadagoppan Ramesh has strongly criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir for his decision to promote Harshit Rana ahead of Shivam Dube during the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match ended with India losing by four wickets, and the move has drawn widespread debate among fans and experts.
Harshit Rana came out to bat after the dismissal of Axar Patel, surprising many as Dube—known for his finishing abilities—was held back. Despite this, the Delhi cricketer played a crucial knock, scoring 35 runs with three fours and one six, forming a steady partnership with Abhishek Sharma for the sixth wicket. However, his bowling performance disappointed as he conceded 27 runs in just two overs during the powerplay, targeted by Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head.
Speaking about Rana’s promotion, Ramesh took to Instagram and said, “Someone who cooks well can’t be made a driver, and a good driver can’t become the cook. Likewise, management should focus on each player’s strengths and primary role in the team, aiming to maximise their performance in that role. If they do something extra, that’s well and good.”
He added, “But their secondary skill should not become the primary role, and I fear that’s happening in this Indian team. A bowler who can bat needs to deliver with the ball first, and likewise, a batter who can bat must deliver with the ball first. The management needs to be clear on this. That’s where India are slipping right now.”
‘Stop Playing Musical Chairs,’ Says Ramesh
Ramesh didn’t stop there. He also criticized the constant batting order changes, particularly promoting Sanju Samson ahead of Suryakumar Yadav at No.3, a move that failed as Samson managed only two runs.
“India needs to stop playing musical chairs with their batting order. They would have had a great chance of winning if they had scored 160 to 170. Didn’t Suryakumar Yadav play well at No. 3 in the last match? He was not out as well. Then why send Sanju Samson at No. 3,” asked Ramesh.
He further stated, “He went from opening to No. 5 and now from 5 to 3. Because of this everyone is looking at each other in confusion on who might go in to bat next. Tilak Varma won India the Asia Cup final at No. 4 and you moved him to No. 5.”
Ramesh’s remarks have sparked discussions about Gautam Gambhir’s experimental approach and India’s lack of stability in the middle order. With crucial matches ahead, fans and experts alike are hoping the management restores clarity in player roles to regain consistency.
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