There was report that Shastri criticized the team management for shuffling the batting order. He went on to say that Dravid should assert himself more, the batting order must be decided by the captain etc.
How does Shastri know that the batting order was Chappell’s decision? I suspect that it was a joint decision. Dravid has had a good run as an opener except in this DLF series. Viru has been in pathetic form. Under the circumstances I think it was a worthwhile experiment to open with Dravid. When it failed, he was quick to return to the middle order. Dravid was right when he said the batting failed India. Viru failed (as always), Sachin failed when it was most needed as did Dravid and the rest of the team. I don’t think any of this can be blamed on experimentation. The only experimentation that was done was to bring back Mongia and it worked! The number 3 spot usually filled in by Pathan was now available. It had to be either Kaif or Dravid, and the captain decided to give Kaif a chance. In short, I suspect Shastri got it wrong this time around unless he is somehow privy to dressing room discussions!
Pakora Korner 