NEW DELHI: Team India altered their batting lineup during day two of the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. The management’s decision to demote Sarfaraz Khan from his usual number four position to number eight against the Kiwis raised many eyebrows.
The tactical change proved unsuccessful for both the team and Sarfaraz, as he was dismissed without scoring.
At his home ground, where he has previously accumulated substantial runs, Sarfaraz appeared uncomfortable during his brief four-ball stint at the crease.
During his short innings, Sarfaraz struggled to gauge the length of his first delivery and attempted an ambitious sweep against Patel.
The following delivery’s bounce and turn deceived him. He had a fortunate escape on the third ball when it deflected off his glove, with no fielder at silly point.
Former Indian cricket player Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the team’s strategy and considered it inappropriate.
“A guy in form, has 3 fifties in his first 3 Tests, gets 150 in the Bangalore Test, a good player of spin, pushed back in the order to keep left & right combination?? Makes no sense. Sarfraz now walking in at no 8! Poor call by India,” Manjrekar wrote on his social media handle.
India were bowled out for 263 in reply to New Zealand’s 235 with a lead of 28 runs.
New Zealand are leading the three-match series 2-0.