Sun Feb 23 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Left-Right Batting Strategy Pays Off, But Pant Remains on Bench
**Dubai, UAE** – Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has praised India’s new batting strategy of employing a left-right combination in the middle order, highlighting the inclusion of Axar Patel at number five ahead of KL Rahul. While Patel’s contribution in the recent Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh was modest (8 runs), Manjrekar believes the strategy provides crucial balance against spin bowling.
The tactic, implemented since the England series, saw Rahul drop to number six. Despite this, Rahul played a crucial unbeaten 41 in India’s victory, while Gill also contributed significantly. Manjrekar emphasized the importance of this strategic approach, stating that it addresses a vulnerability India faced in the 2023 World Cup, where a lack of left-handed batters proved problematic.
Manjrekar’s comments came ahead of India’s crucial Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan. He stressed the need for Rahul to adapt to the challenges of batting in the middle order, regardless of his position.
However, the success of the new strategy highlights a contrasting situation: the continued absence of star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant from the playing XI. Manjrekar expressed amazement at Pant’s benchwarming status, acknowledging the depth of Indian talent but questioning the omission of such a significant player given Rahul’s current position as first-choice wicketkeeper. Rahul’s performance against Bangladesh, however, seems to have solidified his position for the upcoming matches.
First Piper 