India’s Evolving Middle Order: Flexibility and Firepower Under Gautam Gambhir

India has transitioned from relying heavily on their top order, as seen in the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup, to strengthening their middle-order batting.

The recently concluded ODI series against England showcased this shift, with the middle-order making significant contributions. Shreyas Iyer emerged as a consistent performer, helping India secure a dominant series win.

However, questions remain over the stability of the middle-order, especially with head coach Gautam Gambhir favoring a left-right combination rather than fixed positions.

Middle-Order Performance in the England Series

While Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had sporadic performances, India outperformed England primarily due to their middle-order contributions.

The No. 4-7 batters collectively amassed 375 runs across three innings at a strike rate of 116.42, including three half-centuries. In contrast, England’s middle-order managed 278 runs at an average of 23.16, with just two half-centuries.

Shreyas Iyer, the standout performer, topped the middle-order charts with 181 runs at an average of 60.33.

Initially, India contemplated dropping him in the first ODI to experiment with a left-right top-order combination, but he secured his spot with two fifties.

However, a report from the Times of India suggests a heated selection meeting took place regarding Iyer’s retention in the squad.

KL Rahul vs. Rishabh Pant: The Wicketkeeping Dilemma

The Times of India report further highlighted disagreements within the selection panel, particularly regarding India’s wicketkeeper for the Champions Trophy.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier confirmed Rishabh Pant as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the ICC tournament and the England series.

However, both Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir opted for KL Rahul, who played all three ODIs, while Pant remained on the bench.

“Selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar, while announcing the Champions Trophy squad, had claimed Pant was the first-choice wicketkeeper. As it turned out, Pant is the only player in the squad who didn’t get a game in the three ODIs in the England series,” the report stated.

In his final press conference before India’s departure for the Champions Trophy, Gambhir reaffirmed Rahul as the preferred wicketkeeper.

“Ultimately, it’s very difficult to talk about individuals, but all I can say is that if Pant is a part of the squad, he will get an opportunity. But at the moment obviously, KL is our number one wicketkeeper, and he’s delivered for us,” said Gambhir.

Axar Patel’s Promotion and Pant’s Uncertain Role

Adding to the uncertainty around Pant’s role, India’s team management promoted Axar Patel up the order, providing a left-handed option in the batting lineup.

Axar impressed with a half-century (52) and an unbeaten 41 in the first two ODIs. His all-round contributions also proved crucial in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa, where he scored 47 runs in a match-winning partnership with Virat Kohli.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer strengthened his ODI credentials with 181 runs in the England series, making a strong case for his middle-order spot.

However, despite his performances, debates within the team management over his role continue.

Selection Disputes and Team Strategy

Despite selection conflicts, Gambhir has successfully prepared India for the upcoming ICC tournament.

The 3-0 ODI series victory against England boosted team morale, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli regaining form at crucial moments.

However, experts remain concerned about the lack of clarity regarding India’s middle-order and the ongoing dispute between Gambhir and Agarkar.

When India’s Champions Trophy squad was initially announced, Agarkar had labeled Pant as the first-choice wicketkeeper, yet he did not play a single ODI against England.

The conflicting statements from Gambhir and Agarkar raise doubts about the team’s overall selection strategy.

Shreyas Iyer’s Inclusion Under Scrutiny

In the first ODI against England, the management had initially considered benching Iyer in favor of Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, Kohli’s injury saw Iyer playing at No. 3, where he delivered an impressive half-century.

Following this, he retained his spot for the rest of the series. Despite his strong performances, discussions within the selection committee regarding his long-term role continue.

Former selector Devang Gandhi commended Gambhir for managing India’s transition effectively but warned of the need for consistency in middle-order selection.

“Gambhir must be given due credit for working with a team in transition. He has got India dominating in the ODI format, much like they did from 2016-2019. What selectors and Gambhir need to be careful about is consistency in the middle order,” Gandhi told TOI.

Axar Patel’s Role in the Middle Order

For two of the three ODIs, the management promoted all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya. Gandhi questioned this move, along with the initial decision to bench Iyer, which ultimately did not happen due to Kohli’s injury.

“The idea to bench Iyer at the start of the series didn’t make sense, since Iyer has been exceptional in the 2023 ODI World Cup and India have played very few ODIs after the World Cup,” Gandhi added.

Despite internal selection debates, India’s dominance over England in the ODI series has set a positive tone ahead of the Champions Trophy.

However, unresolved concerns over the middle-order and the wicketkeeping position could impact India’s tournament performance.

The coming weeks will determine whether the team management sticks to its current strategies or makes last-minute changes to solidify the squad.