Kris Srikkanth Slams India’s Bowling Attack Ahead of 2027 World Cup
Former India opener Kris Srikkanth reacted angrily to the result, calling India’s current bowling unit “pedestrian” and saying they have no chance of winning the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027. India’s bowling assault failed to hold the target even though they scored 351/7 in their 50 overs. Despite the defeat, India prevailed 2-1 in the three-match ODI series.
Srikkanth questioned the selection and use of Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, and Anshul Kamboj in the attack.
The West Indies won the third ODI of the series by five wickets with ten balls remaining on October 3, 2026, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The West Indies pursued 352 and reached 352/5 in 48.2 overs to complete an amazing triumph, with Shai Hope scoring an unbroken 162 off 143 balls, their biggest successful ODI chase.
What did Srikkanth say about India’s bowling management?
Srikkanth was most critical of the bowling decisions made during the West Indies chase. He also mentioned how Siraj was treated in the last overs, arguing that the veteran pacer should have been given the ball before Kamboj at a pivotal point in the innings.
The numbers, which show that Kamboj and Brar took just one wicket while conceding 146 runs in their combined 18.1 overs, lend credence to some of his concerns. Srikkanth also shifted to batting, arguing that the hosts should have scored a lot more against a feeble attack.
He said that India only scored roughly 350 runs despite the absence of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah and described the West Indian bowling side as a weak one. The West Indies scored 295 in the first ODI and a record 405/7 in the second ODI at Guwahati, their highest ODI total ever, casting more doubt on India’s bowling throughout the series.
Why does Srikkanth doubt Nitish Kumar Reddy’s versatility?
Srikkanth also questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy’s preparedness for the all-rounder role following a poor performance in the previous ODI. The 23-year-old was uncomfortable with the bat and gave up 50 runs in 6.5 overs despite scoring nine off 16 balls.
Also Read : Fatima Sana Joins Perth Scorchers for 2026 WBBL
Srikkanth used Reddy’s overall ODI record to support his scepticism. Over the course of eight ODIs, Reddy has averaged 27.25 with the bat while collecting just 3 wickets at an average of 91.33 and an economy rate of 7.40. Srikkanth also questioned Reddy’s credentials as an all-rounder at the highest level because of his struggles on bouncy surfaces.
