“We’ll continue to do that,” – Gautam Gambhir on Axar Patel batting at number five

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir recently addressed the criticism he has received since promoting Axar Patel to No. 5 batting position, leaving KL Rahul at number six.

Gambhir highlighted the fact that Axar has performed well and contributed with some notable knocks at number five. He also emphasized that it’s not about individuals but a unit as a whole and hinted that the left-handed batter will continue to bat at that position.

“He (Axar) has made reasonable amount of contributions since he started batting at number 5. And you guys, people can keep talking about it, about making him bat at number 5. But yes, that’s where it is very important, and it is not about individuals. It is about what we want as a team and we’ll continue to do that,” Gambhir explained.

Gambhir Gambhir is not bothered about critics

The Indian head-coach, Gautam Gambhir, also revealed that he is not affected by the different agendas that several people run. He said that his job is to remain honest to his people and do his job effectively.

“I don’t care about it. I don’t even care about it honestly. My job is to be honest to the 140 crore Indians and my players in the dressing room. I don’t care what people say about it, how they talk about it, whether they have got agendas, whether they have not got agendas. I don’t even care about it. If I’m honest about my job, that is all that matters, and I can sleep in peace,” Gambhir said.

Team India entered the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 and became the only team to do so thrice in the tournament’s history. They will keep an eye on the second semi-final to know whom they are gonna face on this Sunday in Dubai.