Overview
- In Wellington India promoted Axar Patel to No. 5 and he made 7 before KL Rahul followed at No. 6 and finished unbeaten on 26 as rain left India ahead on DLS in the second ODI.
- Rahul’s No. 5 record is far stronger by the numbers, with 1,646 runs in 36 innings at an average of 68.58 and a strike rate of 103.19, while Axar has 365 runs in 13 innings at an average of 30.41 and a strike rate of 87.11.
- Team management, backed publicly by head coach Gautam Gambhir, says Axar was moved up to preserve a left‑right middle order that can upset bowling plans and provide an all‑round option.
- Former players and commentators have criticised the choice for SENA conditions, arguing Axar’s spin‑hitting role works in Asia but may not hold up on seamier, bouncier pitches and that Rahul is being denied game time.
- With three ODIs left in the series, observers say upcoming selection decisions will be watched as a signal of whether India prioritise immediate experimentation or firming Rahul at No. 5 ahead of the 2027 World Cup.