Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh has raised concerns over the current team management’s middle-order strategy, specifically questioning the decision to promote all-rounder Axar Patel to the number five batting position. Speaking in the context of India's ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, Ganesh expressed his reservations regarding the long-term viability of this approach, particularly when playing in SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.
The critique follows India's performance in the rain-shortened second ODI held in Wellington. During the contest, the team management opted to push Axar Patel up the order, a tactical shift intended to maintain a left-right batting combination. However, Ganesh argued that this adjustment has come at a significant cost, specifically by denying KL Rahul, who is often pushed down to number six, the necessary game time to settle and contribute effectively as a middle-order anchor.
“I say it again: Axar Patel can’t be your no 5 in SENA countries. He could play a cameo here and there but he’s definitely not a long term solution. You are denying KL Rahul the game time,” Ganesh stated via social media. His remarks underscore a growing debate regarding the balance of the Indian side and the impact of frequent shuffling within the batting lineup to accommodate specific match-up requirements.
The tactical choice faced immediate scrutiny during the second ODI, where the Indian top-order struggled against a disciplined New Zealand pace attack on a pitch that offered movement and bounce. After the visitors bowled out New Zealand for 134 runs—led by a strong bowling display from Gurnoor Brar, who claimed 4/30—India’s pursuit of the target got off to a difficult start. Captain Shubman Gill fell for a first-ball duck, followed by Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for seven runs.
Axar Patel, promoted to number five, managed only seven runs before losing his wicket while attempting a ramp shot. Shreyas Iyer contributed 30 runs off 46 deliveries but could not maintain the momentum, leaving India in a precarious position at 47/4. In contrast, KL Rahul provided the stability the team required. After adopting a cautious approach to negotiate the challenging conditions, he remained unbeaten on 26 off 26 deliveries when rain interrupted the game.
At the time of the stoppage, India had reached 113/7 in 26 overs. By virtue of being four runs ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) par score, India secured a four-wicket victory, extending their lead to 2-0 in the five-match series. Despite the win, the difficulties faced by the batting order have refuelled discussions about whether the team management is prioritising experimental combinations over the established roles of specialist batters.
The debate surrounding India’s middle-order composition is expected to continue as the team proceeds through the remainder of the series. While the management has defended its flexible approach as a means to counter specific bowling attacks, critics like Ganesh suggest that such constant changes might be undermining the consistency of players like Rahul. As the series progresses, the selectors and team management will likely face further scrutiny regarding their vision for the middle order in preparation for future international challenges.
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