The Indian cricket team’s batting lineup faces significant uncertainty in the middle order ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, with batting coach Vikram Kotak revealing that only the opening positions have been firmly secured while other batting slots remain subject to experimentation and evaluation. This admission comes during a critical preparation phase for the continental tournament, raising questions about team composition and strategic planning.
Speaking at a press conference following India’s recent bilateral series, Kotak stated that the team management is actively assessing multiple combinations to identify the most effective middle-order configuration. “Apart from our openers, we are looking at various options for each position,” Kotak explained. “The modern game requires flexibility and we need players who can adapt to different match situations and bowling attacks.”
The current situation reflects a broader transition phase in Indian cricket, where several established middle-order batsmen from previous generations have either retired or are approaching the twilight of their careers. This has created opportunities for newer players but also introduced instability in the batting order. Team selectors and coaching staff have been rotating players through positions 3, 4, 5, and 6 in recent matches, seeking the right balance between experience and emerging talent.
Historical context reveals that India has traditionally struggled with middle-order consistency in limited-overs cricket. The legendary batting lineup of the early 2000s featuring Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Mohammad Azharuddin provided stability, while the subsequent era saw MS Dhoni anchoring the middle order with remarkable consistency. The current scenario represents perhaps the most significant transitional phase since the retirement of these stalwarts.
Cricket analysts point to multiple factors contributing to this situation. The increased frequency of T20 cricket has produced batsmen with different techniques and temperament compared to traditional ODI players. Additionally, the emphasis on power-hitting throughout the innings has changed role definitions within the batting order. Where previously specific positions demanded particular skillsets, modern ODI cricket requires almost every batsman to be capable of both building innings and accelerating when required.
Team management’s approach appears to prioritize versatility, with players being tested in different scenarios against various types of bowling attacks. “We’re looking at how players handle pressure situations, their scoring rates in the middle overs, and their ability to build partnerships,” Kotak elaborated. “It’s not just about individual performances but how they complement each other in the lineup.”
The selection committee faces additional challenges due to the different requirements of home and away conditions. Asian pitches typically favor spin bowling, requiring batsmen with strong techniques against slower bowling, while overseas conditions might demand better skills against pace and bounce. This geographical consideration adds another layer to the selection process for a tournament like the Asia Cup, which will feature matches across different venues.
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar commented on the situation, noting that “while flexibility is important, stability in the batting order brings its own advantages. Batsmen develop partnerships and understand each other’s games better when they regularly bat together. The challenge for the team management is to find the right balance between experimentation and consistency.”
The upcoming domestic season and bilateral series before the Asia Cup will provide crucial opportunities for players to stake their claims for specific positions. Performance in the Indian Premier League has traditionally influenced selection decisions, but the team management has emphasized that consistent performances in ODI cricket will carry greater weight for 50-over tournaments.
Team psychologist Dr. Chaitanya Basu highlighted the mental aspect of batting position uncertainty. “When players are constantly shifting positions, it can affect their mental preparation and role clarity. However, modern cricketers are increasingly adaptable, and many see this as an opportunity to demonstrate their versatility and value to the team.”
The broader context of this selection approach reflects a global trend in cricket management. Many international teams are moving away from fixed batting positions toward more fluid arrangements based on match situations. England’s successful ODI team in recent years exemplified this approach, with batsmen capable of performing multiple roles throughout the innings.
As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, the Indian team management will need to balance their experimental approach with the need for settled combinations in high-pressure tournaments. The performance of the middle order will likely determine India’s success in defending their Asia Cup title, making the resolution of these positional uncertainties critical to the team’s prospects.
The coming months will see intense scrutiny of team selections and batting orders as India prepares for the tournament. With several promising young batsmen in contention and established players seeking to cement their positions, the competition for middle-order slots represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Indian cricket to build a batting lineup capable of succeeding in the evolving landscape of international cricket.
