After India defeated England 3-0 within the ODI collection, coach Gautam Gambhir defined his rationale for selling Axar Patel up the batting order over KL Rahul within the first two ODIs.
“That’s the way in which cricket is supposed to be performed,” Gambhir defined when requested about Axar’s promotion within the batting order. “I do know lots of people speak about it, however that’s the way in which we obtained to play the sport, and that’s the way in which cricket needs to be performed. It’s not in regards to the batting order, it’s about who can create what influence. When you’ve got the choice of placing a top quality left-hand batter within the center, why gained’t you try this?” Gambhir requested.
“Why would you wish to have high 5 as right-handers? We don’t have a look at averages and stats and all that stuff. We have a look at who can ship extra at that quantity. And Axar has achieved fabulously effectively. Each the video games [in which] he obtained the chance, he delivered for us. I do know there’ll all the time be speak – there’ll all the time be individuals speaking about it – however I believe that’s the way in which we wish to go in future as effectively.”
Axar scored 52 runs off 47 balls at No 5 in Nagpur and 41 not out in Cuttack.
Gambhir’s fondness for the left-right mixture additionally led to the Indian workforce choosing Yashasvi Jaiswal for the primary ODI at the price of Shreyas Iyer. Iyer did play that recreation as a alternative for Virat Kohli, who had an harm on his knee.
Regardless of his choice for right-left mixture, Gambhir additionally mentioned that KL Rahul can be the popular selection for wicketkeeper reasonably than Rishabh Pant within the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which can begin subsequent week.
“For the time being, KL is a No.1 wicketkeeper for us, and he’s delivered for us,” Gambhir instructed reporters after the sport.
