Team India’s batting strategy in the second ODI between India and New Zealand has become a topic of discussion. When the Indian team lost three wickets for 39 runs in the match played in Wellington, the team management sent all-rounder Axar Patel to bat before experienced batsman KL Rahul. Axar failed to capitalize on this opportunity and was out after scoring just 7 runs off 17 balls. Meanwhile, KL Rahul, who came in at number six, showed his batting prowess in difficult conditions by scoring an unbeaten 26 runs. Now, former Indian captain and chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has questioned this decision.

IND vs NZ: Axar Patel’s dismissal ahead of KL Rahul sparks controversy, with Srikkanth lashing out at Gautam Gambhir

The decision to send Axar Patel at number 5 proved costly.

New Zealand’s fast bowlers maintained constant pressure during India’s innings. The Indian batsmen struggled to score runs against the pitch’s extra bounce and short-pitched deliveries. Meanwhile, the team management decided to send left-handed batsman Axar Patel to number 5.

Axar managed just 7 runs off 17 balls. After his dismissal, KL Rahul came in to bat. Rahul, understanding the conditions, batted cautiously and scored an unbeaten 26 off 38 balls. His innings included two fours and two sixes. This performance raised questions about why an experienced batsman like Rahul wasn’t given a chance at number five.

Srikkanth questions Gautam Gambhir’s strategy

Former India captain and former chairman of selection committee Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized the team management’s decision on his YouTube channel. He believed sending an experienced batsman like KL Rahul after Axar Patel was not the right strategy.

Where is the justice in sending Rahul to number six after Axar Patel? Gautam Gambhir needs to understand that Rahul is an established and marquee player. He has scored international centuries for India at number 3 and number 4. Despite this, limiting him to such a role is a gross injustice to him.

— Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former Indian captain and chief selector

Srikkanth, referring to Rahul’s batting abilities, said that he is one of the reliable players who can carry the team in difficult situations. According to him, Rahul was the only batsman who looked comfortable at the crease in the second ODI.

Expressed confidence in Virat Kohli and KL Rahul

Speaking on the Indian batting order, Srikkanth praised Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, saying that both players have the ability to shoulder responsibility when the team is in difficult situations.

Whenever the situation gets tough, only two players in the team shoulder the responsibility: Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Had Rahul been dismissed early in the last match, India’s game would have been over. So, how can the decision to send Axar ahead of Rahul be justified?

– Krishnamachari Srikkanth

Different opinions on team management strategy

However, not all former cricketers are unanimous in their decision to promote Axar Patel up the order. Former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has supported this strategy. He believes that sending a left-handed batsman up the order forces opposition bowlers to vary their line and length. This can also provide opportunities for right-handed batsmen to score runs.

Indian captain Shubman Gill also spoke about a floating batting order at No. 5 and No. 6 before the series, meaning Axar Patel and KL Rahul could be sent in at these positions depending on the match situation.

India won the match by four runs

Despite questions about their batting order, the Indian team recorded a thrilling victory in the Wellington ODI. Batting first, New Zealand were bowled out for 134 in 41 overs. India were set a target of 135 runs to win.

The match was reduced to 26 overs due to rain. India scored 113 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 26 overs and won the match by four runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 26, while Indian bowler Gurnur Brar took four wickets for 30 runs.

Now, the debate surrounding the Indian team’s batting order has intensified. It remains to be seen whether the team management will adjust the roles of KL Rahul and Axar Patel in the upcoming matches or continue with a floating batting order based on the circumstances.