India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has backed the team management’s decision to promote Axar Patel ahead of KL Rahul in the second ODI against New Zealand. Patel batted at number five in the run chase of 135 but was dismissed after scoring only seven runs.
The spin-bowling all-rounder was dismissed for a duck in the series opener at Eden Park, Auckland while batting at the same number. Kotak revealed the reason behind the team management’s thought process of promoting Patel in the batting order, adding he helps India in maintaining a left-right batting combination.
“Yes, one reason is definitely the left-right combination. Another factor is recognizing KL’s strength in finishing games. Furthermore, Axar has previously batted at number five in ODIs quite often; he is a capable batter. The reality is, if a tactic doesn’t yield runs, people question why the player was sent up; if it works, people call it a brilliant move. That’s just how it goes,” Kotak said during the pre-match press conference.
Kotak also praised KL Rahul after the flamboyant batter scored an impressive knock of 26 runs in the run chase in the second game. Rahul stayed calm at the crease and delivered for the team under pressure.
“I think KL Rahul’s biggest advantage is that he opens in red-ball cricket, bats in the middle order in white-ball ODIs, and whenever required, he bats at number five where his record is great, or at number six where it is equally good. He is someone who plays according to the needs of the team. Since I joined, I can hardly remember many matches where he got a chance to bat and didn’t contribute,” Kotak said.
The third ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Tuesday.
