KL Rahul Vs Axar Patel: Anil Kumble Weighs In On India’s Batting Order

The debate surrounding India’s batting order in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been one of the most talked-about topics among cricket experts and fans. With India set to face New Zealand in the grand final on March 9, discussions around the ideal lineup have intensified.

One of the most vocal opinions on the matter has come from former Indian spinner and legendary cricketer Anil Kumble, who believes that KL Rahul should bat ahead of Axar Patel in India’s middle order. His argument? Rahul’s consistency in finishing games and his ability to absorb pressure make him an invaluable asset in crucial moments.

With the final just around the corner, let’s delve deeper into this tactical debate, analyzing India’s strategy, KL Rahul’s role, and whether Kumble’s assessment holds merit.

KL Rahul’s Crucial Knock in the Semifinal Against Australia

The discussion gained momentum after India’s high-pressure semifinal clash against Australia, where Rahul played a pivotal role in guiding his team to victory. Batting at number six, Rahul showcased his calm and composed approach, scoring a match-winning 42 off 34 balls*.

His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Initially, he focused on rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking. As the match progressed, he switched gears and took on the bowlers, smashing two sixes and two fours to steer India home.

Anil Kumble’s Take on KL Rahul’s Role

Kumble, who has seen Rahul evolve as a player over the years, was quick to highlight his reliability in clutch situations. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he said:

“I know Axar did a good job of getting that partnership with Virat Kohli, but someone like KL Rahul coming in at that stage and this is what he can do – if he gets to 30, he will ensure that you cross the line.”

His statement emphasized Rahul’s ability to finish games once he gets set, a trait that has been evident in many of his recent innings. While he missed out in the previous game against New Zealand, Rahul’s performances throughout the tournament have been solid, proving his worth as a dependable middle-order batter.

India’s Left-Hand-Right-Hand Strategy: The Reason Behind Rahul’s Demotion

While Rahul has traditionally batted at number five, India’s team management opted for a tactical switch in the semifinal, promoting Axar Patel to number five and pushing Rahul down to number six.

Why Was This Move Made?

The primary reason behind this decision was India’s attempt to disrupt the opposition’s bowling rhythm by introducing a left-hand-right-hand combination in the middle order. With a predominantly right-handed top order featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul, the team wanted to introduce a left-hander early to force the bowlers into frequent adjustments.

Did the Strategy Work?

Axar Patel, known more for his all-round abilities, played a valuable supporting role alongside Kohli. However, his innings wasn’t particularly dominant, and some believe that sending Rahul earlier would have been a better option.

Kumble’s argument is rooted in Rahul’s ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships. While the left-hand-right-hand approach is a common strategy in limited-overs cricket, Rahul’s superior finishing skills and experience make him a more natural fit at number five rather than six.

KL Rahul’s Adaptability: A Key Strength

One of the standout qualities of KL Rahul is his ability to adapt to different positions and roles in the batting lineup. Over the years, he has played as an opener, middle-order batter, wicketkeeper, and finisher, making him one of India’s most versatile cricketers.

After the semifinal, Rahul himself addressed the issue, saying:

“I’m quite used to going up and down the order.”

His experience in multiple formats has helped him develop the ability to adjust his game according to the situation. However, many believe that constant shuffling of his batting position has also added unnecessary pressure on him.

The Pressure on KL Rahul: A Recurring Theme in His Career

Rahul has often been a polarizing figure in Indian cricket. While his talent and technique are unquestionable, he has faced immense scrutiny and criticism whenever he has had a dip in form.

As Kumble pointed out, the pressure on Rahul is immense:

“There is a lot of pressure on him. If he does well, it’s expected. If he fails even in one innings, suddenly the whole world comes after him.”

This constant scrutiny has made it difficult for Rahul to play with complete freedom at times. However, his ability to silence critics with crucial performances in major tournaments proves that he has the mental strength to handle expectations.

In recent years, Rahul has developed into a reliable middle-order batter, especially in ODIs, where his average of over 50 while batting at number five is a testament to his consistency.

Should Rahul Bat Ahead of Axar in the Champions Trophy Final?

With the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand looming, the big question is: Should India continue with the same strategy, or should they revert to a more conventional batting order?

Pros of Sending KL Rahul at Number Five:

More experience and composure in high-pressure situations
Better at rotating strike and accelerating in the death overs
More suited to finishing games compared to Axar Patel

Cons of Sending KL Rahul at Number Five:

Disrupts India’s left-hand-right-hand strategy
Axar Patel’s confidence could be affected if pushed down the order

While Axar has proved his worth as an all-rounder, his primary role is as a bowler, and he does not have the finishing experience of a specialist batter like Rahul.

With New Zealand boasting a strong bowling attack featuring Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson, India will need a batter who can soak up pressure and counter-attack effectively—something that Rahul has done repeatedly in his career.

Kumble’s Suggestion: A Game-Changer?

If India reverts to the traditional approach by sending Rahul at number five, it could bring more stability to the middle order. A well-set Rahul in the death overs can be more dangerous than a makeshift finisher in Axar Patel.

As seen in the past, Rahul’s presence ensures that India successfully finishes run chases, making Kumble’s suggestion a logical move for the final.

Final Thoughts: Will India Make the Change for the Final?

With the Champions Trophy 2025 final just days away, India’s team management faces a crucial decision regarding the batting order.

While the left-hand-right-hand strategy is tactically sound, India must prioritize stability and experience in high-pressure matches. If Kumble’s words are anything to go by, Rahul should bat ahead of Axar Patel to maximize India’s chances of securing their third Champions Trophy title.

As fans eagerly wait for the blockbuster clash against New Zealand on March 9, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on KL Rahul and his role in shaping India’s fortunes in the final. Will India heed Kumble’s advice and trust Rahul’s finishing abilities? Only time will tell.

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