Robin Uthappa flags lack of role clarity in India’s batting during big chase

NEW DELHI: Former India batter Robin Uthappa has flagged a lack of role clarity in India’s batting approach during a big chase, saying excessive flexibility early in the innings made run-scoring more complicated.Uthappa said the issue was not the loss of early wickets but the strategy adopted after Shubman Gill’s dismissal, particularly with a deep batting line-up at India’s disposal.

“When Shubman Gill got out, Axar Patel walked in with plenty of batting still to come. At that stage, he had to play the role of a pinch-hitter — someone you are willing to risk early to get quick runs and take pressure off Abhishek Sharma,” Uthappa said on Jio Hotstar.Instead, Uthappa felt Axar’s cautious run-a-ball 21 failed to ease the pressure, forcing a shift in approach as wickets fell around him and slowing the chase further.

“At the international level, batters need clear roles and a clear idea of how they’re going to construct an innings,” he said.

“Flexibility with match-ups after the first six to eight overs is fine, but you still need a solid foundation before you can chase a big score — you can’t build a skyscraper without a base.