Defined: Why Axar Patel Batted Forward Of KL Rahul In The Center Order Throughout 249-Run Chase

India skipper Rohit Sharma has mentioned that he was promoted forward of KL Rahul within the batting order to take care of the left-right mixture throughout the 249-run chase in Nagpur on Thursday. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Axar revealed that it was a pre-planned step in India’s four-wicket victory over England.

Rahul has batted at No. 5 for India in ODIs. However on Thursday, the Indian workforce administration despatched Axar after the autumn of the third wicket, elevating doubts over the choice which in the end turned out to be a masterstroke

Talking on the post-match presentation ceremony, Rohit defined what was the thought course of behind sending Axar forward of Rahul within the batting order.

“We needed a leftie within the center. It is so simple as that. We all know they may spin it again into the left-handers, so we needed a leftie. Gill and Axar batted brilliantly out within the center. Nothing particular,” Rohit mentioned.

“Axar, over time now we have seen how improved he’s as a cricketer, particularly along with his bat and we bought to see that once more immediately. We have been slightly below strain at that time we would have liked a partnership and Gill and Axar batted properly,” Rohit added.

Gill (87), Shreyas Iyer (59) and Axar (52) rose to the event, guiding India to a commanding chase after Harshit Rana (3/53 from 7 overs) and the seasoned left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (3/26 from 9) shared six wickets between them, dismantling England for a below-par 248.

Chasing a below-250 rating, Gill anchored the innings, forging key stands with Iyer and Axar that grew to become the spine of India’s chase.

However as soon as Iyer, trapped LBW by Jacob Bethell after being struck flush on the entrance pad, was dismissed, Gill took cost, with an in a position ally in Axar, who was promoted up the order.

India play the second ODI in opposition to England on Sunday, February 9 in Cuttack.