{
  "id": 19143686,
  "title": "'What justice is it to send KL Rahul at No.6?': Ex-India selector raises question",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/what-justice-is-it-to-send-kl-rahul-at-no-6-ex-india-selector-raises",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-09T11:24:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand/what-justice-is-it-to-send-kl-rahul-at-no-6-former-india-selector-raises-question-amid-new-zealand-odis/articleshow/135680131.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A former India selector has questioned the decision to send KL Rahul to No.6 in India's second ODI against New Zealand. Former cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized the team management's choice, arguing that Rahul is an experienced player who has scored centuries at No.3 and No.4. The selectors opted for Axar Patel instead, who struggled against New Zealand's bowling attack, scoring seven runs off 17 balls. Rahul, on the other hand, looked much more comfortable on the difficult pitch and could have been a valuable asset at a higher position in the batting order. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar supported the decision, arguing that placing a left-handed batter before right-handers can disrupt the opposition bowlers' rhythm.",
  "summary": "KL Rahul’s batting position sparked debate after India’s second ODI against New Zealand, as Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticised sending Axar Patel ahead of him. Axar managed just seven runs, while Rahul looked comfortable. Srikkanth called it unfair to Rahul, but Sunil Gavaskar defended the move, explaining that promoting a left-hander can disrupt bowlers’ rhythm.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former India selector questions Rahul's placement at No.6",
    "Axar Patel selected over Rahul, who struggled against NZ bowlers",
    "Sunil Gavaskar supports placing left-handed batter before right-handers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}