Srinagar, Jan 5: With Jammu and Kashmir reeling from back-to-back defeats in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, the team management has moved to arrest the slide by calling up Dikshant Kundal in a bid to boost an underperforming batting unit, a decision that has sparked debate over timing as much as intent.
Sources within the setup confirmed that Kundal has been brought in ahead of J&K’s remaining league fixtures, with the think-tank keen to inject stability and intent into the middle order. However, with the tournament already slipping away, questions remain whether the move has come too late to influence outcomes meaningfully.
The reshuffle follows Rydham Sharma’s failure to seize his opportunity after being handed a role to fill the void left by Kanhaiya Wadhawan. Despite being given chances, Rydham could not make a significant impact and, according to insiders, is set to make way for Kundal in the playing XI.
Selection changes are expected to go deeper. Kawalpreet Singh, who was brought in recently, is unlikely to feature in the next match, while Abdul Samad, dropped earlier in the tournament, is set for a return for the remaining fixtures. Yudhvir Singh is also likely to be included in the playing XI as J&K search for balance and spark.
The churn underlines the broader uncertainty gripping the side. While batting inconsistencies have hurt chases, bowling remains J&K’s most pressing concern, with the attack failing to control opposition line-ups or deliver match-winning spells. Former cricketers tracking the tournament have pointed to a lack of penetration and consistency, particularly from senior bowlers.
Among those under scrutiny is Auqib Nabi, who, despite leading the attack, has yet to deliver a defining performance in the competition. Former players and observers note that Nabi has struggled to make decisive inroads or tilt matches in J&K’s favour, adding to the team’s growing list of concerns.