IND vs WI: "What Kind Of Combination Are We Looking At"- Saba Karim Slams Indian Batting-Order In 2nd ODI

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Saba Karim was livid with the changes in the batting lineup in the second ODI. As it turned out, India ultimately lost the game, exposing a few weaknesses ahead of the ODI World Cup at home.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were rested from the second ODI with India including Sanju Samson and Axar Patel. Sanju scored just nine while Axart was dismissed for one.

More than the batting failures, it was the batting-order that surprised Saba Karim. India opted to send Suryakumar Yadav at number three in the first ODI. In the second ODI, it was Sanju Samson who batted at four. Hardik Pandya batted at four in the first ODI while Axar Patel was sent in the second ODI at that number.

Also Read: IND vs WI: “Why Are Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Not Playing”- Saba Karim Slams Team Management After 2nd ODI Loss

Talking to Jio Cinema, Saba Karim said that he found it difficult to understand the changes in the batting-order in the second ODI adding that time was running out for India to find proper back-up options for the ODI World Cup.

Also Read: IND vs WI: Watch Virat Kohli, Yuzvendra Chahal Carrying Drinks In 2nd ODI Against West Indies

Trying To Put My Mind To All These Changes: Saba Karim

“I’m just trying to put my mind to all these changes that we have seen. Last game one can understand that’s what Rohit said that he wanted to try out all these players who have been included in the one day side. OK, one can go ahead with that. But now in this game you had another opportunity to find the right kind of balance to find the right batting order. One is not able to see that,” Saba Karim said on Jio Cinema.

He further argued that the players who were sent into bat in the second ODI needed to bat in their positions where it could be judged how they were adapting to the tricky pitch at Barbados.

“KL Rahul if he comes in, what number he will bat? He’ll be number five. So who’s your number five now if you’re looking for a backup wicket keeper as he said, Suryakumar Yadav last game came at number three, today at number four. Axar Patel, I mean, what are we doing? What kind of combination are we looking at? And time is running out for us,” Karim said.

The IND vs WI ODI series is now level at 1-1 after West Indies’ win in the second ODI. The decider will be played in Trinidad on August 1.

Also Read: IND vs WI: “Playing Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Would Not Have Given Us Any Answers”- Rahul Dravid On Resting Senior Players In 2nd ODI