India defeated New Zealand in a thrilling first ODI, with KL Rahul playing a crucial innings at the number 6 spot to guide his team to victory. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan defended Rahul’s batting position, citing the evolving dynamics of modern ODI cricket.
Exciting Win in Vadodara
In the first ODI at Vadodara, New Zealand set a challenging target of nearly 300 runs for India. While captain Virat Kohli once again played a brilliant innings, he fell short of a century, scoring 93 runs. Opener Shubman Gill provided a solid start, but India needed an experienced finisher in the final overs. KL Rahul stepped in at number 6, showcasing calm and calculated batting to take India across the line.
Why Rahul Bats at Number 6
On his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan addressed questions about Rahul’s lower-order batting. He explained, “Many ask why Rahul is batting so low. The rules of ODI cricket have changed. After the 34th over, the ball either reverses slightly or slows down significantly. In such situations, a technically strong batsman can make all the difference.”
Pathan added that while some other batsmen seemed unsettled, Rahul remained in complete control. He rotated the strike well and waited for the right moment to accelerate. Predictably, he targeted the 49th over, smashing two fours and a six to finish the match in style.
Return of Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill
Irfan Pathan also praised Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill. Iyer, returning from injury and batting at number 4, showcased his ability to play big shots against spin—a valuable asset for India. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who had struggled in his last 10 innings across Tests, T20s, and domestic matches, regained form, providing much-needed relief for the team.
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