‘It’s not a long-term solution’: Former India cricketer questions Gautam Gambhir and team management strategy

Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has questioned India’s decision to use Axar Patel at No.5 in overseas conditions, arguing that the all-rounder should not be considered as a long-term option at the batting position. He also felt that the team management’s approach comes at the expense of KL Rahul’s ability to spend more time at the crease.Responding to India’s batting order during the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington, Ganesh turned to X to express his reservations about Axar’s suitability for the role, particularly in the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) nations.“I’ll say it again: Axar Patel can’t be your 5th in SENA countries. He might do a cameo here and there but definitely not a long term solution. You’re denying KL Rahul game time #NZvIND,” ​​Ganesh wrote.

Posted by Doddy Ganesh

The former cricketer’s comments come amid India’s continued experimentation with their middle-order combinations. The team has often pushed Rahul up to No.6 to maintain a left-right batting mix, with Axar given an opportunity higher up the order.This strategy came under scrutiny during the rain-affected second ODI, where the Indian batting line-up struggled against a disciplined New Zealand attack and chased down a target of 135.After the visiting bowlers bundled out New Zealand for 134, India found themselves in early trouble on a surface that offered bounce and movement. Jacob Duffy struck twice, dismissing skipper Shubman Gill for the first ball and Virat Kohli for seven, while Rohit Sharma managed 23 off 28 deliveries before departing.Promoted to No. 5, Axar could only contribute seven runs before falling while attempting a ramp shot. Shreyas Iyer made 30 off 46 balls but failed to convert his start, leaving India under pressure at 47/4.Meanwhile, Rahul provided the stability India desperately needed. He was cautious at first and handled the challenging conditions for several moves, including a six, before switching gears. He remained unbeaten on 26 as India reached 113/7 in 26 overs when rain ended the contest.India were four runs ahead of DLS’s even score at this stage, securing a four-wicket win to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.A bowling effort laid the foundation for the victory, with Gurnoor Brar taking career-best figures of 4/30. Auqib Nabi took 2/31 while Anshul Kamboj returned 2/25. New Zealand were eventually dismissed for 134 in 41 overs, with Daryl Mitchell top-scoring with 55.Ganesh’s remarks again brought attention to India’s middle-order strategy and whether Rahul should be given a higher batting position instead of being pushed down to suit the left-right combination.