India achieved consecutive victories in the ongoing ODI series against England on home soil, thereby securing the series. This series has been characterized as a precursor to the Champions Trophy, which is set to commence in less than two weeks. India successfully addressed several key aspects, including the return to form of captain Rohit Sharma. Nevertheless, one particular strategy employed during the two matches has sparked considerable debate.

India triumphed in both encounters held in Nagpur and Cuttack, winning by four wickets. In each match, the head coach implemented a premeditated strategy by promoting left-handed batsman Axar Patel to the No. 5 position, placing him ahead of wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul. This decision was met with disapproval from fans on social media during the series opener, as well as criticism from former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh, who expressed his concerns regarding the strategy in both matches.

On Sunday, Ganesh took to X, previously known as Twitter, to criticize what he termed Gambhir's "mindless experiment" prior to the Champions Trophy, questioning whether the same approach would have been taken had the top order collapsed for a mere five runs.

“Axar Patel again ahead of KL Rahul? I’m speechless. Does it make any sense to push a genuine batter like Rahul to no 6? When you’re 5/3, do you’ve the courage to send Axar on a tricky pitch? If not, what sense does this experiment make? Absolutely mindless this,” he tweeted.

Earlier in the opening match on Thursday, Ganesh expressed his concerns regarding the alteration in the batting order. He tweeted: "KL Rahul has excelled at number 5; however, the decision-makers in the dressing room seem to have different strategies for relegating him in this batting lineup. It is utterly absurd. What is the rationale behind promoting Axar to number 5?"

How have Axar and Rahul performed against England?  

The adjustment primarily benefited Axar, who scored 52 runs in Nagpur and an unbeaten 41 in Cuttack, while also taking a wicket in both matches. In contrast, Rahul, who was moved down to No. 6, could only manage 12 runs across two innings. Throughout his career, Rahul has batted at this position on two other occasions, amassing a total of 54 runs at an average of 18.

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