Gambhir's ruthless rationale for demoting KL Rahul in the batting order: 'You should be focused on earning your spot in the XI…'

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the importance of cricket being a team sport, as he discussed the decision to move KL Rahul down to number 6 in the batting line-up. Despite starting his career as an opener, Rahul has embraced his new role in the ODIs and has excelled in the middle order. Known for his selfless attitude and team-first mentality, Rahul showcased his adaptability in the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia. The 32-year-old displayed his leadership skills during his unbeaten 42-run inning off 34 balls, guiding India to a crucial victory by 4 wickets. Rahul's ability to switch gears and finish off the match in style with a six highlighted his importance to the team's success.

Gambhir was asked about Rahul's demotion in the batting line-up during the post-match press conference, and he bluntly said more than numbers, it's the impact that matters for him.

"You know in a sport like cricket and in a team sport, numbers don't matter, batting positions don't matter, it's the impact that matters," Gambhir told reporters.

The Indian head coach sends a clear message that the player's primary focus is to get a place in the XI and then do what the team demands, which he feels Rahul is happy to do.

"You should only be thinking of picking yourself in the playing 11 and rest whatever is needed of you to do it for the team you should be happily doing it and KL has done that and KL has done that really happily and he's done that really well at number six as well," he added.

Rahul started off things against Australia with the approach of rotating strikes at regular intervals, but after the drinks break, he stepped foot on the accelerator to make it a cakewalk for India.

‘KL Rahul gives us more depth…’: Gambhir

Gambir further elaborated on the decision to push Rahul to the number 6 as he feels that the move has helped them achieve more depth in the batting order.

"People keep talking about it, I don't know for how long they've been talking about it, why we've pushed KL at number six. Just we feel that he gives us more depth, and that is how we want to play the game. And the conversations which I've had with him or the conversations which I've had with everyone is exactly the same that in a team sport, especially in cricket and in this format, we are not going to talk about batting positions. We're going to talk about how can we create that impact and what is needed of the team. We'll continue doing that," he said.

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