In the first two ODIs against New Zealand, India went with Axar Patel at No. It has once again sparked a debate over whether this is the right approach. 5 and KL Rahul at No. 6. Axar scored 0 and 7 in the two matches, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 3 and 26. 5 onwards, depending on the match situation.
Before the ODI series, India captain Shubman Gill made it clear that the team would be flexible with the batting positions from No.
“Since I have joined, I cannot remember many matches in which he has got an opportunity to bat but has not contributed.
He has played some unbelievable innings, and he never looks under pressure,” he said.
That’s just how it goes,” Kotak said during the pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of the third ODI in Hamilton. India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak backed that stance after the first two matches. “Yes, one reason is definitely the left-right combination. Another factor is recognising KL’s strength in finishing games. The reality is, if a tactic doesn’t yield runs, people question why the player was sent up. If it works, people call it a brilliant move. “I think KL Rahul’s biggest advantage is that he can open in red-ball cricket and bat in the middle order in white-ball cricket. Whenever required, he can also finish games with five overs left. His record there is also very good. Kotak also pointed to Rahul’s consistency and ability to deliver whenever he gets an opportunity, saying he rarely disappoints the team. “If you notice, I have never seen KL under pressure. You always see him looking very stable. Most of the time, probably all the time, he has never let the team down. Apart from his temperament, Kotak praised Rahul’s ability to manipulate the field and switch between accumulation and aggression depending on the team’s requirements.
5 in ODIs quite often; he is a capable batter.
So, he plays according to the team’s needs,” Kotak said on the eve of the third ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park. Emphasising Rahul’s remarkable composure in difficult situations, the assistant coach said his calm presence at the crease is one of his biggest strengths.
Furthermore, Axar has previously batted at No.
