Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble expressed his opinion on the ongoing debate surrounding India’s batting order, particularly the positions of KL Rahul and Axar Patel. Kumble firmly believes that Rahul should bat ahead of Patel, citing his consistent ability to guide the team to victory when he reaches a score of 30.
Kumble’s comments came after Rahul’s impressive performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia. Rahul, batting at number six, played a crucial role in securing India’s spot in the final with an unbeaten 42 off 34 balls. His innings was marked by a mix of caution and aggression, as he initially focused on rotating the strike before taking on the Australian bowlers with two sixes and two fours.
Anil Kumble highlights KL Rahul’s reliability
“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,” Kumble was quoted as saying to ESPNCricinfo, highlighting Rahul’s reliability in high-pressure situations. Despite missing out in the previous game against New Zealand, Rahul’s overall performance has been commendable, and Kumble believes this will boost his confidence significantly.
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India’s tactical left-hand-right-hand strategy
However, the decision to bat Rahul at number six instead of his usual number five position was part of India’s strategy to introduce a left-hand-right-hand combination in the middle order. Axar Patel, with his left-handed batting, was promoted to number five to break the sequence of right-handed batters. This move was intended to create uncertainty for opposing teams and exploit potential weaknesses in their bowling attacks.
Rahul himself has been quite adaptable, stating that he is accustomed to batting in different positions. “I’m quite used to going up and down the order,” he mentioned after the semifinal match against Australia, reflecting on his experience in various roles across formats for India. Despite the challenges, Rahul has shown resilience and a willingness to adjust his game according to the team’s needs.
The debate over Rahul’s position is not new. He has faced scrutiny and pressure throughout his career, with expectations often running high. As Kumble noted, “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 pressure can be overwhelming, but Rahul’s recent performances suggest he is capable of handling it effectively.
India will take on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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