‘He was scoring so many runs and picking wickets’ – Sunil Gavaskar reckons India ‘greatly miss’ Ravindra Jadeja

Team India may have sealed the series against West Indies by clinching the second ODI by 44 runs. However, a lot of eyebrows have been raised over the batting composition and think tank of the team management. Surprisingly, Rishabh Pant came out to open with skipper Rohit Sharma while comeback man KL Rahul, who opened in the preceding ODI series against South Africa, walked out at number four.

This strategy left the cricket fraternity baffled. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar wasn’t too amused either as he feels Rahul belongs to the top while Pant should be given the finisher’s role. Notably, the tactic didn’t work as India were reduced to 43/3 while batting first and could only manage 237/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Rishabh Pant should be the finisher: Sunil Gavaskar

“To be honest with you, I was surprised to see Rishabh Pant up the order because I have always felt that he is probably better off at 6 or 7, depending on how the team has gone. He should be the finisher. My feeling is that Rahul will partner Rohit as the opener, and Surya would probably bat at No. 4,” Gavaskar said mid-innings of the 2nd ODI.

Meanwhile, Gavaskar also said India are missing the services of Ravindra Jadeja, who was scoring handy runs lower down the order alongside contributing with the ball.

“Then maybe at 5, you will have somebody like a Rishabh Pant and then a Washington Sundar. Don’t forget, India are feeling the absence of Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7, 8. He was scoring so many runs and hitting the big shots. Brilliant fielder and picking up wickets in the middle order. He is being missed greatly by this Indian team,” he added.

Notably, Jadeja is giving the West Indies series a miss due to fitness issues. He is expected to make a comeback in the home series against Sri Lanka later this month, which comprises three T20Is and a couple of Test matches. Coming to the ongoing series, the third and last ODI will be a dead rubber. However, India would be determined to script a clean sweep while West Indies have nothing but pride to play for.