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India’s victory in the opening ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara was significant not just for the result, but for the tactical conversations it triggered. One decision in particular stood out — KL Rahul being slotted at No.6. While fans debated whether a proven top-order batter was being underused, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has offered a detailed explanation, explaining why the move is both logical and forward-thinking in modern-day ODIs.
A tense chase sets the stage for tactical calls
Batting first, New Zealand put India under pressure with a competitive total just short of the 300-run mark. The pitch offered some grip as the innings progressed, making stroke-making less straightforward in the latter half. India’s reply was anchored by Virat Kohli, who once again showcased his ODI mastery with a fluent 93, narrowly missing out on a century. At the top, Shubman Gill provided stability, ensuring India stayed in the chase despite a few testing phases.
As wickets fell and the asking rate hovered in an uncomfortable zone, the responsibility shifted to the lower middle order to close out the game — a scenario where composure mattered more than flair.
KL Rahul’s calm presence at No.6
Walking in at No.6, Rahul immediately brought clarity to the chase. Rather than forcing boundaries, he focused on strike rotation, waited for loose deliveries, and ensured the required rate never spiralled out of control. His measured approach allowed India to cross the line with overs to spare, sealing a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
While the innings may not have been explosive, it was precisely what the situation demanded — a controlled finish under pressure.
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Irfan Pathan explains the logic behind India’s move to keep Rahul at No.6
Addressing the debate on his YouTube channel, Pathan highlighted how the evolving nature of ODIs has changed batting roles. He pointed out that with the ball now tending to reverse slightly after the 34th over — or alternatively becoming slower if reverse swing doesn’t kick in — the final phase of an innings is no longer tailor-made for pure power-hitters alone. In such conditions, technically sound batters who can manoeuvre the field and handle subtle movement become invaluable.
Pathan noted that while other batters looked slightly uncomfortable in the first ODI, Rahul appeared completely in control, underlining the value of his technique and game awareness. His ability to keep ticking the scoreboard with singles, Pathan explained, was the difference between panic and poise in a tricky chase.
“When KL Rahul bats, people often ask why he is batting so low. But we need to keep in mind that the rule has now changed because the ball reverses slightly after the 34th over. If the ball doesn’t reverse, it is slow. In those situations, a technically correct batter makes a difference. Other batters were getting slightly troubled in the first ODI, but Rahul was well in control. Rahul showed what his approach was when he kept taking singles,” said Pathan.
A role built for modern ODI cricket
Rahul’s placement at No.6 seems less like an experiment and more like a calculated strategy. With ODIs increasingly being decided in the final 15 overs, India appear keen to station their most dependable decision-makers where pressure peaks. Rather than exposing Rahul to the new ball or early aggression, the team management is backing him to finish games — a role that demands maturity, adaptability, and calm execution.
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