Former India Player Advocates KL Rahul’s T20I Selection After Humiliating Loss to England India’s dismal performance in the third T20I against England on July 7, 2026, sparked renewed calls for a strategic overhaul in the team’s batting lineup. The match, played in Nottingham, saw the Indian team bowled out for a meager 76 runs in 11.4 overs, suffering a crushing 125-run defeat. This loss has intensified discussions about the need for a more balanced approach in the T20I format, particularly with the 2028 T20 World Cup looming on the horizon. Sadagoppan Ramesh, a former Team India player, took to his Instagram account to voice his concerns, urging the selectors to reconsider the inclusion of veteran batter KL Rahul in the T20I squad. Ramesh emphasized the importance of adding a player capable of handling high-quality fast bowling, especially given the likely conditions of the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. “The next T20 World Cup will be on potentially challenging pitches in Australia and New Zealand. Considering that, it is paramount India add a batter capable of handling high-quality fast bowlers,” he wrote. Ramesh highlighted KL Rahul’s recent IPL performance as a key argument for his inclusion. The right-handed batter, who had faced criticism for his strike rate in international matches, delivered one of his best seasons in the 2026 IPL, scoring 593 runs at an average of 45.61 and a strike rate of 174.41 in 14 matches. “He responded to the criticisms around his strike rate with his performance in this IPL. He is also one of only three players to have ever scored a 150,” Ramesh noted. The former player also pointed out the lack of right-handed batters in India’s current T20I lineup, which is dominated by left-handers.#kl_rahul #sadagoppan_ramesh #t20i_squad #2028_t20_world_cup #nottingham
Former Opener Calls for KL Rahul's Return to T20I Squad for 2028 World Cup The Indian cricket team faced a crushing defeat in the third Twenty20 International against England on July 7, 2026, losing by 125 runs after being bowled out for a dismal 76 in 11.4 overs while chasing 202 to win. The loss marked the largest margin in India's T20I history and extended their streak of consecutive defeats in finished games to four. Following the match, former opener Sadagoppan Ramesh urged the team management to consider the inclusion of seasoned batter KL Rahul in the T20I squad for the 2028 T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand. Ramesh emphasized the need for India to add a batter capable of handling high-quality fast bowlers, particularly in the challenging conditions of the 2028 tournament. He highlighted Rahul's recent IPL performance, where the right-hander scored 593 runs at an average of 45.61 and a strike rate of 174.41 in 14 games, becoming the first Indian to score over 150 in an IPL match. Ramesh argued that Rahul’s ability to adapt to fast bowling and his track record in the T20 format—2265 runs in 72 games, including two centuries and 22 fifties—make him a critical asset for the team. Rahul’s last appearance for India in T20Is was the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England, where he scored 110* in a losing cause. Despite his strong numbers in the format, his absence from the T20I squad since then has raised concerns about India’s batting depth. Ramesh criticized the team’s reliance on left-handers, noting that the lineup is dominated by left-handed batters, which could be a disadvantage in Australia and New Zealand. He stressed that Rahul’s experience and ability to handle fast bowlers like James Anderson and Mitchell Starc make him an essential pick for the 2028 World Cup.#new_zealand #australia #kl_rahul #sadagoppan_ramesh #2028_t20_world_cup
Irfan Pathan on Ruturaj Gaikwad: ‘If he wants to open…his approach will have to change’ Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad faced criticism from former cricketers Irfan Pathan and Sadagoppan Ramesh after scoring just 15 runs from 18 balls against Delhi Capitals. Pathan, reflecting on Gaikwad’s batting approach, suggested the player should consider moving to the number three position if he intends to maintain his current style. “Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting approach definitely needs attention,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel. “If his approach in the last match is considered, he faced 17 balls and his control percentage was excellent. It means he did not take much risk and was not looking to play too aggressively. He did not want to lose his wicket. Then just play at number three. If he wants to continue with this approach, he should bat at No. 3. But if he wants to open, then as Ruturaj Gaikwad, his approach will have to change.” Gaikwad’s poor form in the ongoing IPL season has drawn attention, with Ramesh attributing his struggles to the pressures of leading the team. “Right now, too many things are running in his mind. It’s important he comes in as only a batter when he walks out to bat. Most captains can’t do that, though. When you bring the captain tag along while batting, too many things run through your head. He should talk to himself as a captain and ask himself to bat freely. If he also combines with Sanju, it’s one of the best pairs of the IPL,” Ramesh added. The discussion also extended to CSK’s selection strategy for their match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Pathan emphasized the need to give Akeal Hosein consistent opportunities, citing his performance in the previous game. “Another important factor is Akeal Hosein, who played the last match.#chennai_super_kings #irfan_pathan #ruturaj_gaikwad #delhi_capitals #sadagoppan_ramesh
