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

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

Irfan Pathan highlights Pakistan’s problems ahead of India clash
Pakistan are in serious trouble after crashing to a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their Champions Trophy group stage match on Wednesday in Karachi. Chasing a huge target of 321 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, eventually being bowled out for 260.
Even the likes of reliable performers such as Babar Azam, Saud ...

IND vs PAK: All you need to know about the biggest group stage clash
The excitement is building as two of the biggest names in world cricket, India and Pakistan, are set to face off in an eye-catching Champions Trophy clash, scheduled to be held on Sunday in Dubai. It is the biggest group stage clash of the ongoing Champions Trophy, with bitter rivals India and Pakistan eyeing supremacy on Sunday at Dubai International Stadium.<...

Shubman Gill praises Shami, calls him ‘legend’
Indian young star Shubman Gill has hailed Mohammed Shami as a ‘legend' after stunning five-wicket haul in Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh on Thursday in Dubai.
Shami’s stunning return to form after a period of injury was epitomised in India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, where he put on a spellbinding pe...

Ponting lauds Gill’s exceptional skills following Champions Trophy hundred
Australia's cricket legend, Ricky Ponting, has expressed his admiration for the young Indian batter Shubman Gill, who has been making waves with his remarkable performances. Ponting's endorsement of Gill serves as a significant acknowledgment of the young player's growing potential.
Gill, who has been a standout performer in recent m...

Why is Heinrich Klaasen not playing in SA’s Champions Trophy opener against Afghanistan?
South Africa’s remarkably powerful batter Heinrich Klaasen was ruled out of South Africa Champions Trophy opener against Afghanistan on Friday in Karachi due to an injury.
According to reports, Heinrich Klassen has been left out of South Africa playing XI for the match against Afghanistan as a precautionary measure due to a left elbow soft tissue injury. Ry...