‘Nothing wrong’: Gavaskar shuts down criticism of Gambhir's decision to bat Axar at 5
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Sunil Gavaskar defended the decision by captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir to bat Axar Patel at number five during the second ODI against New Zealand. Despite Axar scoring only seven runs and India falling to 47/4, Gavaskar argued that introducing a left-hander disrupts the opposition's bowling rhythm.
He noted that such tactical gambles, which previously succeeded for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final and the 2025 Champions Trophy, should not be judged solely by their outcome.
India secured a four-wicket win via the DLS method after rain ended the game with the visitors at 113/7, four runs above the par score of 109. KL Rahul remained 26 not out, having steadied the innings with Shreyas Iyer, who made 30.
The victory, which gives India a 2-0 series lead, was supported by Gurnoor Brar's 4/30, while Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj each took two wickets.
