Gautam Gambhir was attacked, abused and insulted by Indian fans after the Indian coach stuck to his strange plan of sending Axar Patel ahead of KL Rahul when India needed runs quickly, 30 overs had passed and there were not even 150 runs on the board.
India have not had a good start to the Australia ODI tour and the players have failed to take advantage of it even after visiting one of their favorite venues, Adelaide. Sent in to bat first, the Indian top order again struggled as Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer added some vital runs in the hundred-run partnership between the two.
However, Rohit Sharma’s brilliant comeback sequence ended in dramatic fashion with his dismissal to Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa got the better of Shreyas Iyer when the batsman tried to make progress against the experienced Australian spinner.
Ever since Gautam Gambhir joined the Indian team, his performance has continued unabated. Although India has sometimes had success against his seemingly strange strategies, he has also faced repeated criticism for his moves.
This time during the Australia tour, Gambhir had made a new strategy of sending experienced all-rounder Akshar Patel above KL Rahul in the Indian batting order. The left-handed batsman is one of the only left-handed batsmen in the team, with Washington Sundar coming in in the latter stages.
Many times, Gambhir has argued for giving preference to the left-hand and right-hand combination and highlighted its importance. So KL Rahul has once again been ignored, and Axar Patel has been welcomed to bat at no. Even before the third wicket fell, 5 runs were scored despite 30 overs being bowled.
Rohit Sharma made a big statement with a brilliant half-century in Adelaide
Indian batsman Rohit Sharma has finally made a strong comeback in the ODI format. The batsman made a much-awaited comeback in Perth, but his comeback was short-lived as he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for just 8 runs.
Going into Adelaide, Rohit looks more determined to score crucial runs for the Indian team as they aim to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Sharma played an excellent innings under pressure. Bearing the brunt of the blow himself, struggling in the power play, Rohit scored 73 runs in the first 30 overs.
This is Rohit’s 59th ODI half-century, and the batsman not only reached the milestone but also showed some brilliant composure and class, handling the situation with utmost grace.
“What has Gautam Gambhir done to this great Indian cricket team!” Gautam Gambhir is under attack for controversial moves in the batting order
What has Gautam Gambhir done to this great Indian cricket team!
Firstly, dropping explosive left-handed batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal for their “princess” Shubman Gill?
Then, putting Axar Patel at No. 5 and pushing KL Rahul even lower down the order – there is no logic in this!
And… pic.twitter.com/UKXB9zcb32
– Easy Chat (@EasyAsPie372040) 23 October 2025
Rohit
Beloved
Virat
Shreyassb right handed h
but mdc is @GautamGambhir G@MDbheer was left right’s RR crna at the same time as KL Rahul, brother-in-law Su@R’s child is a cricketer who grew up due to insecurity, this MDC.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/3jY0qSDOYh
– Mon (@SM_36063) 23 October 2025
Brother, don’t say anything, put KL Rahul at stake to make Akshar Patel experienced.
Then if he doesn’t perform well then take him out and feed him pants.
Very good!-Chhattarpal Singh (@MehentiLadka) 23 October 2025
When only 31 overs were bowled and 19 overs were left, why was KL Rahul not sent above the letter?
Are we grooming Rahul as some kind of finisher in ODIs?
Nothing is being taken away from Axar but he is playing better in the last 10-12 overs.
KL needs time to set his sights
– Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) 23 October 2025
What kind of strategy is this to send Akshar Patel before KL Rahul!! He is an opening batsman in Test and T20 and you are sending him at number six, do you expect blind criticism from your Test opener?#INDvsAUS #klrahul #bcci #BCCIPresident
– Harsh Srivastava (@HarshSr69382182) 23 October 2025
According to Gautam Gambhir’s logic, there is no need for left-right combinations in the top 4.
Gambhir knew – whatever you ask KL Rahul to do, he will happily accept it.
A proven performer at No. 5 now finds himself batting below Axar Patel in ODIs
– Jyotirmay Das (@dasjy0tirmay) 23 October 2025
Akshar Patel
KL Rahul
washington beautiful
NKR
Worst middle order for ODI. India cannot win a single series with this combination.
Bring Pant and Pandya.#INDvsAUS– Pratap (@rpratapreddys) 23 October 2025
Also read: There was a heated clash between Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, Rohit threw weapons
