Was Promoting Axar Patel to No. 3 a Mistake?
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Synopsis
In a surprising move during the second T20I against South Africa, Axar Patel was promoted to bat at No. 3. Former coach Sanjay Bangar critiques this decision, emphasizing the impact on India's top order and highlighting Tilak Varma's impressive performance amidst the defeat. Discover the insights that Bangar offers on India's batting strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Promoting Axar Patel to No. 3 was critiqued as a poor tactical decision.
- The top order's performance is critical in chasing large totals.
- Tilak Varma's innings highlighted his potential as a reliable player.
- South Africa's bowlers effectively utilized the new ball.
- The match outcome reflects the importance of strategic batting order.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Former batting coach of India, Sanjay Bangar, expressed that moving Axar Patel to bat at the third position during their 51-run loss in the second T20I against South Africa was not a wise decision. He noted that Axar's struggle to find his rhythm contributed to the top order's failure to perform effectively.
In this match, India made an unexpected choice to elevate Axar, who typically plays in the middle order, to number three. This strategy did not pay off, as Axar managed only a run-a-ball 21 before being dismissed by pacer Ottniel Baartman.
“From India's perspective, significant contributions were essential from their top three batsmen. The performances of Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav are crucial when chasing a large total, as they have the most opportunities to face balls. Unfortunately, the top three did not perform well, and South Africa excelled,” Bangar remarked.
“They effectively utilized the new ball. Positioning Axar Patel at number three required him to take too long to settle in, making it an unsuitable spot for him. Following that, Ottniel Baartman bowled with precision, employing a 'you miss, I hit' approach, which had previously proven successful in the ODIs,” he added.
“George Linde entered the middle overs and restricted runs with disciplined bowling. South Africa will be pleased with their performance, having outperformed India in all aspects,” Bangar stated on JioStar.
The only highlight for India was Tilak Varma, who was the top scorer with 62, showcasing an engaging innings filled with two fours and five sixes. “He plays genuine cricketing shots and does not struggle against pace. He skillfully deals with deliveries of 135-140 km/h, demonstrating his strength in the square leg area and behind the wicket through cut shots and reverse sweeps,” Bangar remarked.
“His decision-making and clarity, especially in T20 formats, are impressive. He maintains the run rate even after a wicket falls, showcasing his tempo. Overall, he is the most reliable player in challenging situations, providing confidence either to achieve a substantial score or to successfully chase down a target,” Bangar concluded.
Point of View
The decision to promote Axar Patel to No. 3 was a tactical error that hindered the team's performance. The analysis underscores the importance of strategic batting order and the need for top-order players to deliver in crucial situations. While Tilak Varma's performance was commendable, the overall execution by the team fell short against a strong South African side.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Axar Patel promoted to No. 3?
The Indian team aimed to strengthen their batting order by promoting Axar Patel, hoping for a quick contribution, but it did not yield the desired results.
What was Sanjay Bangar's opinion on the batting order?
Sanjay Bangar believed that sending Axar Patel to bat at No. 3 was not ideal and affected the team's top order performance.
Who was the standout performer for India?
Left-handed batter Tilak Varma stood out by scoring 62 runs, showcasing his ability to play effectively under pressure.
