IND vs SL 2024: Axar Patel outlines the rationale behind Rishabh Pant’s demotion to number 4

On July 27, Team India (IND) defeated Sri Lanka (SL) by 43 runs in the opening Twenty20 International match played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This was Gautam Gambhir’s first game leading the Indian team, and he will be pleased with how his new role is going. Axar Patel, who has recently grown to be a crucial member of the Indian team, gave an explanation for Rishabh Pant’s demoting. Four of India’s top eight hitters in the order are left-handers, the left-arm spinner pointed out.

Removing Rishabh Pant from the starting lineup was one of the intriguing moves made by the new management. Axar Patel, who has recently grown to be a crucial member of the Indian team, gave an explanation for Rishabh Pant’s demoting. Four of India’s top eight hitters in the order are left-handers, the left-arm spinner pointed out.

The No. 3 hitter for India during their triumphant run at the T20 World Cup last month was the wicketkeeper-batter. But on Saturday, the new full-time T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, came at the fall of the first wicket, and he was demoted to No. 4. The two colourful batters switched places from the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Axar continued by saying that after Shuban Gill exited on the final ball of the powerplay, the management decided to have a right-left combination at the crease, which is why Surykumar was promoted to No. 3. The left-right batting combination is notorious for causing headaches to bowlers. In the middle, Suryakumar partnered with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is left-handed. It was only after Yashasvi lost his wicket that Pant made his way to the crease.

“There are four lefties and four righties on our team. It gets extremely difficult for the bowlers to maintain the line and lengths consistently when there is a left-right combination (in the middle), especially when they are rotating with singles. Now, how can you make use of four lefties? In the press conference following the game, Axar stated, “If you have that opportunity (to make sure) that there aren’t two lefties or two righties (in the middle) at the same time.”

“Why not employ those individuals in the batting lineup if you have the opportunity and have them available? Additionally, you must constantly alter your batting order to accommodate the opposition’s bowling options,” he continued.

The mood inside the team hasn’t changed all that much: Axar Patel

Axar Patel added that the players have been told by Gautam Gambhir’s new management that there won’t be any significant adjustments made to the team’s strategy. The 30-year-old claimed that not much has changed in the team environment.

Also Read: You get some confidence when you perform well under pressure: Axar Patel

“I have ten years of playing experience. I’ve played under a variety of captains and coaches. The team won’t see many changes, in my opinion. The coach and captain are always changing, but the team stays the same, and the 11 or 15 guys that stick around have to perform. This was also said during our team meeting. They have assured us that we will continue to play in the same manner. Of course, the coach may have different opinions. They keep telling you things here and there, but the thinking might be different. However, Axar stated, “The mood among the team has not changed all that much.