India, Nov. 7 -- Trying to understand how Axar Patel could be the key to unlocking India's batting flexibility feels appropriate as Australia aim to square the five-match series at Brisbane on Saturday.

Central to that must be finding a way to negate Patel. It's an uphill task though, since Patel is the new-age allrounder looking to stretch the scope of his job description, giving India a resounding edge in the buildup to the T20 World Cup early next year.

Patel donning the role of a floating batter isn't surprising because he can be a sweet timer of the ball. And because it had gotten him so far, it's not entirely surprising that Gautam Gambhir has tapped him for the position.

Two performances justify this conviction. Etched in the mi...