Gavaskar Defends Axar Patel’s Promotion in India’s Second ODI vs New Zealand

Sunil Gavaskar, the former India captain, publicly backed the decision of the current captain to promote Axar Patel to the No.5 batting position in the second ODI against New Zealand. India were chasing a modest target of 135 after early wickets fell, and the move to bring in the all‑rounder was questioned when Patel managed only seven runs. The criticism intensified as the innings stalled, but the team later recovered when KL Rahul steadied the chase. Rahul’s contribution helped India secure a DLS‑adjusted victory in the match.