Sun Feb 16 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Winning Streak Sparks Debate Over Rahul and Axar’s Batting Positions
**Cuttack, Feb 11, 2025** – India’s dominant 2-0 series win over England in their ongoing three-match ODI series has been overshadowed by a controversial batting order reshuffle. Coach Gambhir’s decision to demote KL Rahul to number six and promote Axar Patel to number five has sparked intense debate.
While Axar has thrived in the new position, scoring 52 and 41 (not out) in the two matches, Rahul has struggled, managing only 2 and 10 runs. This has led to criticism, with analysts questioning the wisdom of disrupting the form of a specialist top-order batsman like Rahul, who boasts an impressive ODI record at number five, including two centuries and nine half-centuries in 30 matches, averaging nearly 60. His World Cup 2023 performance further highlights his success at this position (452 runs at 75.33 average). In stark contrast, he scored only 42 runs in four matches at number six.
The rationale behind the change is the team’s desire for a left-hand, right-hand batting combination in the middle order to unsettle opposing bowlers, especially spinners. However, critics like former pacer Dodda Ganesh question the long-term strategy, asking if the team would dare to use Axar at number five if they lose three early wickets on a difficult pitch.
The team’s apparent commitment to this left-right combination suggests that Rahul may be fixed at number six for the upcoming Champions Trophy, raising concerns about the role of Rishabh Pant, currently benched. Former batsmen have expressed doubt about Pant’s chances of making the team with the current batting order, a sentiment echoed by commentator Ravi Shastri, who questioned keeping a player of Pant’s caliber on the bench. Pant’s limited opportunity since his 2022 accident (six runs in one ODI) and Rahul’s experience as wicket-keeper contribute to this situation. However, if Rahul’s poor form continues, Pant may yet get a chance as a finisher.
Meanwhile, the second ODI was briefly interrupted by a floodlight failure, prompting the Odisha government to issue a show-cause notice to the Odisha Cricket Association. This raises questions about the BCCI’s future willingness to hold international matches at the venue. An official attributed the problem to a generator malfunction, quickly resolved with a backup generator.
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