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Kris Srikkanth has criticized the selectors over India's T20I squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England. Srikkanth questioned the decision to appoint Tilak Varma as vice-captain, expressed disappointment over Rajat Patidar's omission, and also raised concerns about the selection of Washington Sundar.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 16-man squad for the two overseas assignments, which begin with a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast on June 26. Shreyas Iyer takes over the leadership role from Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to the T20 World Cup 2026 triumph.
Tilak Varma Can't Smash the Bowling Like Rajat Patidar - Kris Srikkanth
Speaking on his YouTube channel CheekyCheekaTV, Kris Srikkanth questioned the decision to appoint Tilak Varma as India's T20I vice-captain. The former chief selector said Tilak does not have enough leadership experience. Srikkanth also questioned Tilak's recent performances and impact as a batter.
"Tilak Varma hasn't even captained a side. He is not in form, and he doesn't have the big-hitting capacity. He is not a tearaway batter. He can play shots, but he can't demolish attacks like a Phil Salt or Rajat Patidar. Tilak Varma can't smash the bowling like Rajat Patidar.
He hasn't done well for MI in the last two to three IPLs. He can't take the opposition out of a contest. At his position, he has to play impactful knocks like Patidar."
Rajat Patidar Overlooked Despite Another Brilliant IPL Season
Rajat Patidar's omission has surprised many fans and experts. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain led his team to back-to-back IPL titles and enjoyed another excellent IPL 2026 season, scoring 501 runs at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 192.69. He also hit 42 sixes during the tournament.
Patidar has remained out of India's T20I plans despite being one of the most aggressive middle-order batters in the country. His strong record against both pace and spin made him a strong contender for selection after another impressive IPL campaign.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar admitted that picking the squad was difficult because of the competition for places. Patidar's omission remains one of the biggest talking points, especially as he is yet to make his T20I debut for India.
Washington Sundar Doesn't Deserve a Place in the Team - Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth also questioned Washington Sundar's place in India's T20I squad. The former chief selector argued that Sundar is no longer contributing enough as a bowling all-rounder and is being used mainly as a middle-order batter.
"Washington Sundar doesn't deserve a place in the team. He doesn't even bowl for GT and is playing as a middle-order batter. So he is a stand-by middle-order batter for India as he's not bowling at all. He doesn't bowl for GT and rarely bowls even for India. So it's a question mark as to how Sundar is a certainty in the side as an all-rounder."
Sundar bowled only 9.1 overs in 17 matches for Gujarat Titans during IPL 2026. Krunal Pandya enjoyed a productive IPL 2026 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scoring 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.80 and taking 14 wickets.
