NEW DELHI: Former India batsman Robin Uthappa has pointed out a lack of role clarity in India’s batting approach during a high-pressure chase, saying too much flexibility early in the innings ended up complicating run-scoring.
India slumped to a 51-run defeat in the second T20I against South Africa after being bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs while chasing a stiff target of 214 at Mullanpur on Thursday.
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Uthappa stressed that the problem was not the fall of early wickets but the approach adopted after Shubman Gill’s dismissal, especially considering the depth available in India’s batting line-up.
“When Shubman Gill got out, Axar Patel walked in with plenty of batting still to come. At that stage, he had to play the role of a pinch-hitter — someone you are willing to risk early to get quick runs and take pressure off Abhishek Sharma,” Uthappa said on Jio Hotstar.
Instead, Uthappa felt Axar’s cautious run-a-ball 21 did little to relieve the pressure, which then forced changes in approach as wickets kept falling around him and slowed the chase even further.
“At the international level, batters need clear roles and a clear idea of how they’re going to construct an innings,” he said.
“Flexibility with match-ups after the first six to eight overs is fine, but you still need a solid foundation before you can chase a big score — you can’t build a skyscraper without a base.
“Asking players to prepare for multiple roles in the same game makes run-scoring more complicated, and that’s where India are missing a trick. I don’t agree with being overly flexible so early in the innings beyond the openers,” said the key member of the 2007 T20 World Cup winning side.
(With PTI Inputs)
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