Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has criticized the team management's handling of KL Rahul, who was pushed down to No. 6 in the batting order during the first ODI against England at Edgbaston before being sidelined from the playing XI for the second ODI at Cardiff.

Ishan Khan, who replaced Rahul in the lineup, walked out to bat at No. 4 ahead of well-established Shreyas Iyer, prompting Srikkanth to question the Gautam Gambhir-led management’s hypocrisy.

"When Kishan can bat at No. 4, why not Rahul? This management is just finishing Rahul. They seem to only want to destroy good players. It's rubbish that they send KL Rahul at 6 and 7. If Rahul is fit, he should be batting at No.4," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

In Rahul’s absence, India were bowled out for a paltry 233 in the second ODI, with Kishan scoring only 1 off 8 balls. The visitors lost the match by four wickets, allowing England to draw level in the series with one game still remaining.

Srikkanth also extended his support to Ravindra Jadeja, arguing that sidelining the veteran all-rounder for the 2027 ODI World Cup is foolish while criticizing the management's over-reliance on developing alternative medium-pace all-rounders.

"He (Jadeja) has been sent to the shed. I don't understand why Jadeja isn't being considered when they play guys like Shedge. They are developing Shivam Dube of all people as an all-rounder," Srikkanth remarked.

The series-deciding third ODI will be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday (July 19).