Dinesh Karthik credits Gautam Gambhir for Axar Patel promotion
Karthik said the decision to send Axar in against New Zealand’s spinners shifted momentum during India’s record chase.
Dinesh Karthik praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for promoting Axar Patel during India’s chase of 226 in the first T20I. Axar scored 24 off 14 balls after New Zealand’s spinners had taken four wickets for 76 runs in eight overs. Karthik said the left-hander’s quick scoring reduced pressure on Shreyas Iyer and helped India regain control. He called the 24-run knock the most crucial phase of the innings because it neutralised the threat posed by Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell. Karthik also noted India’s ability to adapt quickly after travelling across time zones and still execute a high-scoring chase.
CricHubb Take
Gambhir’s tactical adjustment shows he values match-up exploitation over rigid batting positions.