Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik questioned Team India’s batting strategy after pacer Harshit Rana was sent in ahead of all-rounder Shivam Dube during the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
The decision came as India suffered a dramatic batting collapse while chasing 202, eventually crashing to a record 125-run defeat.
Karthik Left Stunned by Team Management’s Decision
India was struggling at 52/5 after Axar Patel was dismissed on the final ball of the fifth over.
Instead of sending in Shivam Dube, the team management promoted Harshit Rana to bat.
Commentating during the match, Karthik openly questioned the move.
“Are you serious? Harshit Rana ahead of Shivam Dube? You can’t be serious,” Karthik said on air.
He later added:
“Do they (the team management) not trust Dube enough to send him in at this stage? Instead, they’ve promoted Harshit Rana ahead of him. I’m not sure that’s the right way to go about it.”
Dube Fails to Capitalise
Shivam Dube eventually came to the crease a couple of overs later but failed to make an impact.
The left-hander managed just 2 runs off 4 balls before being dismissed by Josh Tongue, as India’s innings continued to unravel.
India Register Record T20I Defeat
England posted 201/7, thanks largely to an attacking 70 off 44 balls from Phil Salt.
In reply, India’s batting lineup collapsed under relentless pressure from England’s pace attack.
The visitors were bowled out for just 76 in 11.4 overs, registering their biggest-ever defeat by runs in T20 Internationals.
England’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, with wickets falling at regular intervals and no meaningful partnerships developing.
England Tighten Grip on Series
The emphatic victory handed England a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series after the opening match had been washed out.
India must now win the remaining two matches to avoid losing the series, while questions over the team’s batting approach and tactical decisions are likely to intensify following the crushing defeat.