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On Wednesday, February 12, Team India defeated England to register a series clean sweep 3-0 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the series saw some positives in skipper Rohit Sharma and batting stalwart Virat Kohli returning to form ahead of the crucial Champions Trophy 2025, it also garnered a few criticisms, especially seeing KL Rahul’s batting order.
The Indian veteran, who walked out to bat at number six despite excelling at number five, got the attention of several, including former cricketers. While several criticised Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff for this move, the man himself, Team India head coach finally opened up after 3-0 series win in Ahmedabad.
We look at who can deliver more at that number: Gambhir on Axar Patel batting above KL Rahul
Speaking at the post-match presser, Gautam Gambhir was questioned of KL Rahul coming out to bat down the order. To this, Gambhir replied, "Why would you want to have a top five consisting only of right-handers? We don't look at averages and stats and all that stuff. We look at who can deliver more at that number. And Axar has done fabulously well. In both games in which he got the opportunity, he delivered for us. I know there will always be talk, but this is the direction we want to take moving forward."
Gambhir also pointed out that this tactical shift and left-right combination strengthens India's batting depth while maintaining a balanced combination. "If Axar is batting at five, it only lengthens the batting, with KL [Rahul] at six, Hardik [Pandya] at seven, and Jaddu [Ravindra Jadeja] at eight. Jaddu is a world-class batter, and I don't think you can consider him a tail-ender. If you can bat till number eight, it's always a great luxury, plus we have six quality bowling options. We just wanted a left-hander in the middle to break the top five right-handers," he added.
It is to be noted that Gambhir’s fondness with left-right combination also led the side pick Yashasvi Jaiswal for the opening ODI at the cost of Shreyas Iyer. However, eventually Iyer did get a chance to play with Virat Kohli sitting out due to swollen knee.
