Every time India lost early wickets, one question was louder than the noise around the ground: Why isn’t KL Rahul batting? In Perth, when the scoreboard flashed 25-3, it was not Rahul who walked out, but it was Axar Patel, a move that had much of the crowd bewildered and experts with eyes rolling. Both went on to become India’s top scorers, but the incident revived a topic of discussion that was old.
Since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach, Rahul has batted at No.5 only once in 11 matches, while Axar has featured in that slot eight times. The irony? Rahul averages 56.48 at No.5, the best by any Indian in that position this decade. Yet somehow, the logic of “left-right balance” keeps pushing India’s most technically assured middle-order batter further down the order. The question now isn’t about combination, it’s about common sense.
When Balance Becomes a Blind Habit
Cricket loves patterns: the off-stump line, the powerplay plan, the left-right combo. But when patterns turn into blind habits, teams lose flexibility. India’s recent obsession with alternating batting hands borders on superstition. Even Washington Sundar was sent above Nitish Reddy for the sake of a left-right sequence, a move that made about as much sense as bowling a spinner in the powerplay at Perth.
Rahul’s right-handedness seems to have become a liability, despite his record screaming otherwise. His control percentage against spin is among the highest for Indian batters in ODIs since 2020. Yet, he’s the one being “protected” from match-ups he’s statistically superior at handling. This isn’t tactical precision; it’s analytical paralysis.
The Spin Myth in Australian Conditions
In Asia, maybe the left-right dance has some merit. Sri Lankan dustbowls and UAE turners justify it. But in Australia? It’s like bringing an umbrella to a desert. The pitches offer bounce, not bite. Spinners don’t dominate; seamers and bounce do. Yet India persists with a spin-based fear when picking their order.
Axar Patel’s inclusion higher up is being justified by the “spin factor.” But against Australia, that logic collapses faster than a tail under Starc’s short ball. Rahul’s record against spin, averaging 65.66 vs left-arm and 51.75 vs wrist spin, makes him the perfect antidote to that concern. India’s real problem isn’t spin, it’s overthinking.
Wasted Potential, Misplaced Roles
When a pure batter like Rahul walks in at No.6, India loses valuable overs of control and class. His stroke range and temperament are built for recovery phases, not slog overs. Meanwhile, Axar, an improving all-rounder, no doubt, is being pushed into a role that demands a level of composure and adaptability he hasn’t yet mastered in ODIs.
In Australian conditions, your best batters should face the most balls. Rahul has an ODI strike rate of 106.5 in Australia, elite by any standard. Axar, before this tour, had scored just one run in four ODIs here. Yet, the script repeats: a left-hander walks in, and logic walks out.
Key Takeaway
India’s obsession with left-right balance is making it forget that cricket matches are won by skill, not symmetry.
FAQs
- Why is KL Rahul batting so low in the order?
Because India’s team management prioritizes left-right balance over situational logic, it often sends Axar Patel ahead.
- What makes KL Rahul ideal for No.5?
His ODI average of 56.48 at that position and elite records against both spin and pace make him a natural stabilizer.
- Should Axar Patel continue at No.5?
Only situationally, not as a default. His batting growth is real, but consistency and match awareness at No.5 remain Rahul’s domain.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
Step into the world of cricket with JeetBuzz News—where expert opinions, trending Blogs, and behind-the-scenes insights meet all your favorite topics. Stay informed, stay entertained, and never miss the stories shaping the cricketing world—only on JeetBuzz News!
