IPL 2023: Can we play Akshar Patel at number 9? Ganguly is the main advice for the Indian team to beat the U.K

India’s triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on home soil secured their spot in the Test Championship final in London this June. However, their momentum was halted by a 2-1 (3) loss in the subsequent ODI series. This particular series was crucial in preparing for the World Cup in October 2019, marking India’s first home defeat in 26 series over a span of four years. As a result, Australia claimed the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings, leaving Indian fans feeling uneasy.

Furthermore, the Indian top-order batsmen have consistently struggled against left-arm fast bowlers, as evidenced by their struggles against Mohammad Amir and Trent Boult in the 2017 Champions Trophy Final and the 2019 World Cup Semi-Final. Unfortunately, this trend has continued, with Mitchell Starc dominating them in the second match of this series. Similarly, in both the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, the Indian bowlers were unable to take a single wicket against Pakistan and England, resulting in brutal defeats. It is clear that the Indian team must address these weaknesses if they hope to compete at the highest level.

Advice from Ganguly:

Indian fans are expressing concern that India will not win the World Cup on home soil this year. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has been continuously criticizing the Indian batsmen, claiming that their failure to win an ICC trophy since 2013 is the reason why they have not been successful in recent tournaments.

Former Indian opening batsman and captain, Sourav Ganguly, has raised concerns about the approach of top-order batsmen when playing against opposing bowlers. Specifically, Ganguly questions whether these batsmen should adopt a more aggressive approach, particularly when the Indian batting line-up includes players like Axar Patel at number 9. Ganguly believes that if the top-order batsmen can play without fear of pressure, they can lead India to victory in major tournaments such as the World Cup. In a recent interview, Ganguly emphasized the importance of a strong and fearless batting line-up in achieving success on the international stage.

India needs to adopt an aggressive approach, particularly in T20 cricket, and they possess the necessary talent to do so. With Axar Patel batting at number 9, the top order must ignite like a firecracker. The presence of Hardik Pandya at number 6 and Ravindra Jadeja at number 7 ensures that the batting line-up is as deep as it needs to be. It is imperative that India’s batsmen take calculated risks and play with a fearless attitude to dominate their opponents. By doing so, they can unleash their full potential and achieve success on the international stage.

In order to succeed in cricket, it is crucial to understand your competition and adapt to the pressure they bring. India has always been a hub of exceptional talent, and the country is constantly striving to reach new heights. As one player wisely stated, “It all depends on how you prepare for a big series.” Therefore, it is imperative to approach each game with a strategic mindset and a willingness to adjust your tactics as needed. By doing so, you can stay ahead of the competition and achieve your goals on the field.

In recent times, Indian batsmen have emerged as stars on the batting pitch and in the IPL series. However, their consistent selection for the national team has left many Indian fans dissatisfied.