Axar Patel Explains Rishabh Pant’s Move to No. 4 in First T20I Against Sri Lanka

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/28th July 2024

In the first T20I match between Sri Lanka and India, a notable change in the Indian batting lineup saw Rishabh Pant dropped to No. 4 after having batted at No. 3 during the majority of the T20 World Cup 2024. This adjustment was explained by Indian all-rounder Axar Patel, who highlighted the team’s strategic flexibility in the batting order.

India’s batters delivered a stellar performance in the match on July 28, amassing a formidable total of 213 runs, which led to a comfortable 43-run victory. The innings began with a strong foundation laid by openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. This momentum was carried forward by Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant. Despite Pant’s successful stint at No. 3 during the T20 World Cup, the team decided to shift him to No. 4, with Suryakumar Yadav stepping in at No. 3 and scoring a crucial half-century.

The decision to shuffle the batting order was elaborated upon by Axar Patel during the post-match press conference. He noted that India’s lineup featured an equal mix of four left-handed and four right-handed batsmen. Maintaining a left-right batting combination on the field is a tactical move designed to disrupt the bowlers’ rhythm, making it challenging for them to consistently deliver accurate line and length. Patel emphasized that alternating between left and right-handed batsmen can make rotations and singles more effective, thereby complicating the bowler’s strategy.

“Our team has four lefties and four righties. If there is a left-right combination (in the middle), it becomes very hard for the bowlers to maintain the line and lengths consistently, especially with rotations with singles. Now, if there are four lefties, how can you use them? If you have that chance (to ensure) that there are no two lefties or two righties (in the middle) at the same time,” Patel explained.

He further added, “If you have those players in batting, then why not use them? You also have to keep changing the batting order as per the bowling options that the opposition has got.” This dynamic approach reflects India’s adaptive strategy under the guidance of the new support staff led by head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Patel shared insights into the new coaching philosophy, indicating that while there might not be drastic changes, the team’s approach will be slightly tweaked. The support staff, which includes fielding coach T Dilip along with new additions Abhishek Nayar, Sairaj Bahutule, and Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate, has conveyed a clear message of maintaining continuity with minor adjustments.

“I have been playing for 10 years. I have played with different coaches and captains. I don’t think a lot will change in the team. When we were talking in the team meeting, they also said the same thing, that the coach and captain keep changing but the team remains the same, and the 11 or 15 players who stay, they have to do it. They have told us that we will play the way we have been playing. Obviously, the coach and his input can be different. The thinking can be different, they keep telling you here and there. But there is not much change in the team’s atmosphere,” Patel stated.

This nuanced approach aims to preserve the team’s core strengths while integrating new strategies to enhance performance. As India continues its tour of Sri Lanka, this balance of consistency and flexibility will be key in achieving success.