India's Axar Patel bats during the T20 cricket international between New Zealand and India in Christchurch, New Zealand, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. (Chris Symes/Photosport via AP)

India got themselves into a pickle in the fourth T20I, chasing a massive 260 runs. After the initial wickets fell in the powerplay, the side sent in Axar Patel to bat instead of Naman Dhir or Tilak Varma. This T20I team under Gautam Gambhir is known for flexibility in its batting combinations; however, on this occasion, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan said the team should have gone the other way.

“So, if you want to go with right and left-hand combination, Tilak is there as a left-hander. Naman Dhir is there as a right-hander. And both these guys are playing their T20 cricket so well. If they get more opportunities, it will be great.…