TOP STORIES

“I know a lot of people talk about it”: Gambhir talks about batting inconsistency

Thursday, 13-Feb-2025
News

India achieved a commanding 3-0 sweep in their three-match ODI series against England with a thrilling 142-run victory in the third match on Wednesday in Ahmedabad. Despite some inconsistency in the batting order that raised eyebrows, India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, defended the team's strategy, emphasising that such decisions are integral to how the team wants to play cricket. During the first two games, India promoted Axar Patel to play at no.5 and KL Rahul was sent down the order, which attracted a lot of criticism. However, Gambhir, downplaying the noise, felt that it’s all about the impact. 

"That's the way cricket is meant to be played. I know a lot of people talk about it, but that's the way we got to play the game, and that's the way cricket should be played. It's not about the batting order, it's about who can create what impact. And it's about just if you have the option of putting a quality left-hand batter in the middle; why won't you do that?,” Gambhir said in the press conference. 

"Why would you want to have top five as right-handers? We don't look at averages and stats and all that stuff. We look at who can deliver more at that number. And Axar has done fabulously well. Both the games, he got the opportunity, he delivered for us. I know there will always be talk - there will always be people talking about it - but I think that's the way we want to go in future as well,” he said.

Following the series win, India are brimming with confidence heading into the Champions Trophy where they will kickoff their campaign by clashing with Bangladesh on February 20 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. 

 

 

 

Tags

More News

News

Mushfiqur Rahim set to play 100th Test

45 mins ago

Bangladesh batter Mushfiqur Rahim is reportedly all set to play his 100th Test match when Bangladesh host Ireland in the second Test of the two-match series, which begins on November 19. The second Test will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Mushfiqur's 100th Test is a monumental achievement, as he will become the first-ever player from Bangladesh t...


News

Spotlight on Paul Stirling and Harry Tector as Ireland eye fightback against England

2 hrs ago

With the three-match T20I series between England and Ireland shifting into its second game, scheduled to be played on Friday at The Village, all eyes will be on Ireland, who are gearing up to avoid series defeat on home soil in the historic series. England currently lead 1‑0 after edging Ireland by four wickets in the series opener. 

In the first mat...


News

Ramiz Raja accuses match referee Andy Pycroft of bias towards India

4 hrs ago

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has made an outlandish claim against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of exhibiting bias towards India. Ramiz, in his accusations against the Zimbabwe official, asserted that Pycroft had been a fixture in India's matches and that he has officiated for India in 90 matches. 

"What's interesting is Andy Pyc...


News

West Indies confirm squad for three T20Is against Nepal in Sharjah, bring in five uncapped players

5 hrs ago

West Indies have confirmed their squad to face Nepal in a series of three T20Is set to take place later this month in Sharjah. The Caribbean side has decided to rest some of their experienced stars: Shai Hope, pacer Alzarri Joseph and batter Johnson Charles. Following the decision to rest key players, West Indies squad features promising young talents. Spinner Akeal Hosein...


News

Asia Cup 2025: It's now or never for Afghanistan as they face Group B toppers Sri Lanka

6 hrs ago

As the Asia Cup 2025 inches closer to the Super Fours, Group B toppers Sri Lanka find themselves in the must-win situation as they face a determined Afghanistan side in the 11th match of the Asia Cup on Thursday at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The match will determine which two teams progress from this tightly contested group, with Bangladesh also in the mi...