Gambhir Defends Tactical Batting Shuffle in India's Triumph

India's decisive 3-0 series win against England was marked by strategic batting changes that sparked debate. Coach Gautam Gambhir defended the promotion of Axar Patel over KL Rahul, advocating for flexibility and impact over traditional order. Gambhir's approach emphasizes adaptability to maintain a balanced team.

India's sweeping 3-0 victory over England highlighted their cricketing prowess, though the decision to shuffle the batting order drew attention. In particular, all-rounder Axar Patel's elevation above KL Rahul in two key chases became a talking point.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the criticism, underscoring the need for flexibility in modern cricket. "That's the way cricket is meant to be played," Gambhir asserted during a recent press conference. He defended the strategy of mixing left-right batters in the middle order for strategic impact.

Gambhir emphasized impact over statistics, stressing the tactical advantage gained from Patel's role. "Axar has excelled at number five, extending our batting depth," he argued, positioning this tactical shift as a forward-thinking strategy ahead of vital tournaments, including the Champions Trophy.

(With inputs from agencies.)