India suffered a 7-wicket defeat against Australia in the rain-shortened first ODI, where the team struggled to post a competitive total of 136 in 26 overs.
Former Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth sent a clear message to head coach Gautam Gambhir, urging him to rethink India’s playing XI and team strategy.
Srikkanth demanded a major change in the lineup, insisting that Kuldeep Yadav must return to the playing XI to strengthen India’s spin attack.
He recommended India field Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar together, highlighting how spin proved effective for both sides in the first game.
Srikkanth criticized the management’s decision to play eight batters, calling it unnecessary and saying, “Forget this mathematical balance—pick your best match-winners.”
He praised Kuldeep’s consistent performances in Tests, T20s, and the Asia Cup, questioning the logic of benching a proven match-winner in Australian conditions.