India head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing criticism for some unusual decisions. His selection of players for the XI has drawn attention, especially after India’s poor performance in the two-match Test series against South Africa. India lost the first game to South Africa by 30 runs in Kolkata and seems likely to suffer a similar outcome in the second match in Guwahati.
India Great Criticize Gautam Gambhir
Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized the head coach while reviewing the team’s performance at the end of Day 3 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
South Africa chose to bat first in the second Test and scored 489 runs. On the third day, India had a disappointing performance, getting out for just 201 runs. Srikkanth slammed Gambhir for leaving Axar Patel out of the lineup. He shared his thoughts on his YouTube show Cheeky Cheeka.
“Why isn’t Axar Patel playing? Was he unfit? He has been consistent at all levels. Why so much switching around?” Srikkanth asked. “Every other match, someone is making their debut. They can call it trial and error. Gautam Gambhir can say whatever he wants, I don’t care. I have been a former captain and a former chairman of selectors. I know what I’m talking about,” he added.
Why India team struggling?
“Kuldeep Yadav said nothing was happening on the pitch. Then today we see Indians edging to slips against Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, and getting out to bouncers from Marco Jansen—five wickets to short balls on a supposed ‘road’,” Srikkanth said.
He also criticized India’s stand-in captain for the match, Rishabh Pant, who lost his wicket at a vital moment while attempting an aggressive shot. India was struggling at 105 for 4 when Pant stepped out of his crease to go for a big swing. It was a length ball from Jansen, and all Pant managed was to nick it to the wicketkeeper.
“They will say it’s his natural game, but he is the captain. Shouldn’t he consider the match situation?” Srikkanth added.
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