‘Not a long-term solution’: Ex-cricketer questions Gambhir&management’s strategy

Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has questioned India's decision to use Axar Patel at No. 5 in overseas conditions, arguing that the all-rounder should not be considered a long-term option at that batting position. He also felt the team management's approach was coming at the expense of KL Rahul's opportunity to spend more time at the crease. Reacting to India's batting order during the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington, Ganesh took to X to express his reservations about Axar's suitability for the role, particularly in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia). "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 #NZvIND," Ganesh wrote.

The former cricketer's comments come amid India's continued experimentation with their middle-order combinations. The team has often pushed Rahul down to No. 6 to maintain a left-right batting combination, with Axar getting an opportunity higher up the order. That strategy came under scrutiny during the rain-affected second ODI, where India's batting line-up struggled against New Zealand's disciplined pace attack while chasing a target of 135. After the visitors' bowlers had bundled out New Zealand for 134, India found themselves in early trouble on a surface offering bounce and movement. Jacob Duffy struck twice, dismissing captain Shubman Gill for a first-ball duck and Virat Kohli for seven, while Rohit Sharma managed 23 off 28 deliveries before departing. Axar, promoted to No. 5, could contribute only seven runs before falling while attempting a ramp shot. Shreyas Iyer made 30 off 46 balls but failed to convert his start, leaving India under pressure at 47/4. Rahul, meanwhile, provided the stability India desperately needed. Initially cautious, he negotiated the challenging conditions before shifting gears with a couple of pull shots, including a six. He remained unbeaten on 26 as India reached 113/7 in 26 overs when rain brought the contest to an end.

India were four runs ahead of the DLS par score at that stage, securing a four-wicket victory and taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The bowling effort had laid the foundation for the win, with Gurnoor Brar claiming career-best figures of 4/30. Auqib Nabi picked up 2/31, while Anshul Kamboj returned 2/25. New Zealand were eventually dismissed for 134 in 41 overs, with Daryl Mitchell top-scoring with 55. Ganesh's remarks have once again brought the spotlight on India's middle-order strategy and whether Rahul should be given a higher batting position instead of being pushed down to accommodate the left-right combination.