Dodda Ganesh Slams Idea of Batting KL Rahul at No.6
Former India and Karnataka cricketer Dodda Ganesh has issued a strong statement following KL Rahul's brilliant century in the second ODI against New Zealand. Ganesh firmly believes that pushing Rahul down to the number six position in the batting order, below players like Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja, would be a major strategic mistake.
Rahul's Gritty Innings in Rajkot
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, KL Rahul played a crucial knock at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The pitch proved sluggish and challenging for batsmen throughout the match. India found themselves in a tricky situation after losing quick wickets, slipping from 99 for one to 118 for four.
Rahul stepped up when his team needed him most. He crafted an unbeaten 112 runs from just 92 deliveries. His innings included 11 boundaries and two sixes. More importantly, he forged vital partnerships to guide India to a competitive total of 284 for 7.
Ganesh's Passionate Advocacy for No.5
Dodda Ganesh took to social media platform X to express his views. He reiterated his long-standing position that KL Rahul should bat at number five in One Day Internationals.
"This is why I was always harping about having KL Rahul at no 5, in the ODIs," Ganesh wrote. "KL knows how to pace an innings well. He has all the shots in his armoury to go all-out during the death overs. Pushing him to no 6, below Axar or Jadeja, is going to be a cardinal sin. KL is a Rolls-Royce. Use him properly."
Ganesh's comments highlight his belief in Rahul's ability to anchor the middle order and accelerate when required. He sees the batsman as a premium asset whose talents are wasted lower down the order.
Widespread Praise for Rahul's Knock
Ganesh was not alone in praising KL Rahul's performance. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also lauded the century on social media.
"100 of the highest quality from KL Rahul," Pathan posted. Earlier, when Rahul reached his fifty, Pathan had noted: "Solid half-century from KL Rahul. Playing low-risk cricket while keeping the strike rate nearly 100 says a lot about his class and game awareness."
The Context of the Match
New Zealand had seized control early in the Indian innings with disciplined bowling. The pitch offered little pace and occasional low bounce, making scoring difficult. Captain Shubman Gill contributed a brisk 56, but wickets fell at regular intervals.
Local hero Ravindra Jadeja joined Rahul at the crease and the pair added 73 runs for the fifth wicket, stabilizing the innings. Later, Rahul partnered with Nitish Kumar Reddy for another 57-run stand. These partnerships allowed India to post a defendable total.
KL Rahul's century was particularly significant as it marked the first ODI hundred by an Indian batsman at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. His knock demonstrated immense composure and skill under pressure.
The debate around India's ideal batting lineup continues. Performances like this one from KL Rahul will certainly strengthen his case for a permanent role in the middle order, exactly where Dodda Ganesh believes he belongs.
