‘Hardik Pandya does not usually bat at number five’: Kaif flags balance issue in India’s left-heavy batting line-up
Kaif weighed in on Hardik's altered batting role, pointing out that the shift to No. 5 is a tactical adjustment driven by India’s surplus of left-handers.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif suggested that Hardik Pandya’s promotion up the batting order is largely down to the number of left-handers in the current line-up. India field a left-heavy top order, with Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma opening the innings and Tilak Varma slotting in at No. 3. The middle order, too, features three left-handers - Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh and Axar Patel. With so many lefties grouped together, it becomes a challenge for the captain and coach to maintain a smooth right-left combination, and Hardik’s elevation helps bring better balance and flexibility.
Hardik Pandya has been promoted in the batting line-up in the recent matches. (PTI)
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Kaif weighed in on Hardik's altered batting role, pointing out that the shift to No. 5 is a tactical adjustment driven by India’s surplus of left-handers and the need to maintain balance in the line-up.
“Why is Hardik Pandya coming at number five? Hardik Pandya does not usually bat at number five. In Delhi, he played at number five against Namibia because there were many left-handers. So, due to the left-right combination, he had to move up the order to balance left and right-handers. This is an issue because with so many left-handers, it becomes a bit easier for the opposition team to plan," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
The former India batter also heaped praise on Rinku Singh, underlining the value of his quick-fire contributions lower down the order. Kaif noted that even a handful of runs off just a few deliveries can shift momentum, calling Rinku a vital asset in tight contests.
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The former India batter also heaped praise on Rinku Singh, underlining the value of his quick-fire contributions lower down the order. Kaif noted that even a handful of runs off just a few deliveries can shift momentum, calling Rinku a vital asset in tight contests.
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“I must also praise Rinku. Coming lower down the order, he makes the most of every chance he gets. Even if he faces two or three balls, he manages to hit one or two. These are all crucial moments, where scoring five, six, or ten runs off two or three balls can make a huge difference in the upcoming matches. So I really appreciate Rinku, he is an asset to the team," he added.
Meanwhile, India have once again underlined their dominance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, emerging as the team to beat with barely any side able to challenge them in this format lately. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the defending champions have seamlessly extended their remarkable run, winning four out of four matches so far in the tournament.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
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Home/Cricket/‘Hardik Pandya does not usually bat at number five’: Kaif flags balance issue in India’s left-heavy batting line-up
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