Rain forced an early conclusion to India’s second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington on 7 November 2026, leaving the hosts at 113 for 7 after 26 overs. India ultimately secured a four‑run victory by staying ahead of the DLS par score. Rohit Sharma opened the innings, followed by skipper Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (as wicket‑keeper) and Axar Patel in the middle order.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s decision to promote Axar Patel to number 5 while keeping KL Rahul at number 6 has drawn sharp criticism from former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth. Rahul remained unbeaten on 26 from 38 balls, striking two fours and two sixes, yet Srikkanth questioned why such a proven performer was placed so low. He highlighted Rahul’s success at numbers 3 and 4 and his reputation as a marquee player, arguing that his placement at number 6 was particularly questionable under the difficult conditions.
“He was the only one who looked comfortable in the second ODI. In tough conditions only two players rise – Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. If Rahul had been dismissed early in the previous match, India would have been finished. But what fairness is it to send Rahul to the middle after Axar Patel? How can you justify Patel batting ahead of him?” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
“Gautam Gambhir needs to understand that Rahul is a marquee player. He has scored centuries at numbers 3 and 4 for India. Yet he is being reduced to such a role. It’s a gross injustice,” he added.
How Did India’s Bowlers Perform?
India’s bowling unit impressed in the rain‑affected contest, with young pacer Gurnoor Brar delivering a standout display. Brar claimed a career‑best 4 for 30, showcasing his effectiveness in ODI cricket. Srikkanth praised the depth of India’s pace attack when conditions are favourable, noting their consistent strength across eras.
“Gurnoor Brar is pretty good in ODIs and Tests. It’s in T20s that he’s a problem. But the young Indian pacers have really impressed. Indian pacers have always delivered when conditions favour them, not just now, but for years, since the Javagal Srinath days. On normal wickets, Indian pacers always get smashed,” Srikkanth observed.
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