Dodda Ganesh criticises India's middle-order tactics in New Zealand ODI series

Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has publicly challenged the team management's tactical decision to promote all-rounder Axar Patel to the number five batting position during overseas assignments. Ganesh expressed his concerns following India's performance in the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington, suggesting that the current strategy is not a viable long-term solution for conditions in SENA countries.

The critique centres on the team's ongoing experimentation with middle-order combinations, which has frequently seen KL Rahul pushed down to number six to facilitate a left-right batting partnership. Ganesh argued that this approach is detrimental to Rahul, effectively denying the batter valuable time at the crease to establish himself in challenging overseas environments.

Axar Patel, promoted to the number five spot, was unable to stabilise the innings, contributing only seven runs before being dismissed while attempting a ramp shot. Shreyas Iyer provided a brief resistance with 30 runs off 46 balls, but the team remained under pressure at 47/4. In contrast, KL Rahul provided the necessary composure, remaining unbeaten on 26 off 28 balls when rain forced an early conclusion to the match.

Ganesh’s comments have reignited the discussion regarding India's selection policy and the balance of the middle order. As the series progresses, the team management faces continued pressure to justify their reliance on tactical batting adjustments over the consistent deployment of established players like Rahul in higher positions.