Ravi Shastri did not hold back as India’s innings fell apart on Day 3 of the 2nd Test against South Africa in Guwahati. India began Day 3 at 9/0, with openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal taking a cautious approach in response to South Africa’s 489-run total. The openers played carefully, facing numerous dot balls as the ball continued to swing, making them hesitant to take risks.
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After a cautious start, India’s innings crumbled on what seemed like an easier batting surface. From 65/0, they collapsed to 122/7, losing 7 wickets for just 57 runs. Indian batters self-destructed, handing their wickets away. Shastri, speaking on commentary, pointed out that the pitch at Barsapara Cricket Stadium doesn’t deserve a 150/7 score and criticized India’s over-experimented batting order.
Ravi Shastri slams India’s constant batting order shuffles
Shastri strongly criticized India’s batting decisions, questioning the logic behind some of the selections. He pointed out the inconsistency, such as playing four spinners in Kolkata and bowling one for just an over, and making Washington Sundar bat at No. 3 in the last Test when he could have batted at No. 4 in Guwahati. Shastri emphasized that Sundar is far better than a No. 8 batter. He also noted that since Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s No. 3 position has been a revolving door, with multiple players tried in the role. Shastri believes the constant shuffling, including the changes on the England and West Indies tours, needs to stop, and head coach Gautam Gambhir must settle the batting order.
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