Rohit Sharma-led India are squaring off against Australia at the IS Bindra Cricket Stadium in Mohali in the first T20I of the three-match series. Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to field first. His decision was proved right by Josh Hazlewood as the pacer dismissed India captain Rohit Sharma cheaply. Another blow came India’s way when Virat Kohli handed a straight catch to Cameron Green at mid-on.
However, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav implemented the rescue act as the duo stitched a 68-run partnership for the third wicket. KL Rahul led the charge as the opening batter scored his 18th T20I half-century off 32 balls, After Rahul departed, Suryakumar and Hardik Pandya continued the counterpunch at the Australian bowlers. Yadav was looking in good touch as he smashed Adam Zampa for consecutive sixes.
However, the batter lost his wicket while trying to be cheeky. With four wickets fallen, everyone expected Dinesh Karthik to walk out and join Pandya in the middle. But, as has been the case lately, Indian team management threw a surprise as they sent Axar Patel to bat ahead of the wicketkeeper batter. Fans and experts did not look too pleased with this decision as they slammed the management. Many fans questioned the tactics and reckoned it was a blunder.
Check out the reactions here:
Tactical blunder from #TeamIndia sending Axar ahead of DK? Seems like there is no confidence in DK to stick around. In such a case Why not Pant?#INDvsAUS #INDvAUS
— Srivathsa (@Srivathsabn) September 20, 2022
WHY is #AxarPatel batting ahead of #DineshKarthik ??
— rajan mahan (@rajanmahan) September 20, 2022
Strange choice to say the least !! #INDvsAUS #Mohali https://t.co/SZBFwy1fo0
DK's batting position is being decided by the number of overs left, and not by the wickets fallen. #Karthik #INDvsAUS
— Dharmin Doshi (@DharminD) September 20, 2022
Notably, Axar departed after scoring 6 runs off 5 balls.