In the IND vs ENG ODI series, India’s star wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is nowhere to be seen. Pant was spotted on the sidelines, wearing the mandatory fluorescent bib for reserves. KL Rahul is playing as a wicketkeeper in the team at number 6. At number five all-rounder lefty Axar Patel is playing. This decision sparked debates on the left-right combination strategy the team seems committed to. India’s ex-cricketer, coach and now broadcaster Ravi Shastri wonders on how an all-rounder can play above a batter? If so, then why not a left-hand batter like Rishabh Pant to go in place of Rahul, who can play at number 5.
Ravi Shastri on KL Rahul & Rishabh Pant
Ravi Shastri voiced what many in the cricket fraternity felt, promoting Axar Patel, a bowling all-rounder, over a batsman like KL Rahul. “Why is a top-order specialist like Rahul batting so low?” believes Shastri. He believes that if Gambhir (India’s head coach) wants to play a left-hander at number five, then Rishabh Pant should play. “India would be thinking about the composition in the next game and Champions Trophy. There is Rishabh Pant sitting on the bench. There are certain questions to answer,” he added.
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Why Axar Patel at number five?
Coach Gautam Gambhir’s decision to promote Axar Patel might appear justified after Axar’s performances, scoring 52 and an unbeaten 41 in previous games. But Axar’s promotion leaves questions about Rahul’s utilisation and Pant’s future role. Many believe Rahul fits better at number five and wonder if Pant could offer more impact, especially during crucial moments in the match.
Rahul excellent at number 5
Rahul, who has done wonders at number five, may not be best used at number six, where he has only scored 42 runs in four innings. Rishabh Pant, although not having exceptional numbers, is seen as an explosive game-changer. “KL has been outstanding at No.5 for India. He scored nearly 1300 runs (1259) and enjoys a strike-rate of near 100 (95.45) with an average close to 60. These are exceptional numbers and why do you want to reinvent the wheel?” argued a former national selector. According to PTI.
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