The batting order deployed by India during the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington has sparked a sharp debate among former cricketers. With the team in a precarious position at 39/3, the decision to promote
Axar, who has previously navigated difficult surfaces, found the uneven bounce and short-pitched deliveries from the New Zealand bowling attack particularly testing. His stay at the crease was brief, resulting in seven runs from 17 balls before he lost his wicket. In contrast, KL Rahul appeared significantly more composed upon his arrival, navigating a pitch that proved difficult for the majority of batters throughout the contest.
Srikkanth criticises management while Gavaskar defends tactical intent
Former India selector
Srikkanth further highlighted Rahul’s technical proficiency in difficult conditions, suggesting that he and Virat Kohli remain the primary players capable of stepping up when the team is under pressure. He questioned the justification for sending Axar ahead of a batter who looked the most comfortable of the entire lineup during the match.
Conversely, former India captain
While acknowledging that the experiment did not yield the desired result on this occasion, Gavaskar maintained that the thought process behind the decision was sound. He suggested that such tactical gambles are a standard part of the game and that had the promotion of Axar been successful, it would have been viewed as a masterstroke of captaincy. He concluded that the presence of a reliable player like Rahul at No. 6 provided a necessary safety net for the team's experimental approach.
