‘Gautam Gambhir can say whatever he wants’: Team India coach faces severe criticism for SA series failures

Team India has lost its sheen in Tests at home, where it was nearly impossible for teams to win against them.

India is almost certain to lose the second Test in Guwahati against South Africa. That would mean a whitewash, our second in a year’s time. While the players have been poor in the series, the leadership from coach Gautam Gambhir has been under the scanner as well.

Gautam Gambhir in the firing line

Kris Srikkanth, who happens to be an ex-India opener and a chief selector, lashed out at Gambhir for his selection choices. He was particularly severe on the axing of Axar Patel from the 2nd Test. “Why isn’t Axar Patel playing? Was he unfit? He has been consistent at all levels. Why so much chopping and changing?” said Srikkanth on his YouTube show Cheeky Cheeka, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Test selection an issue

“Every alternate match someone is making a 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. He further said, “Kuldeep Yadav said nothing was happening on the pitch. Then today we see Indians edging to slips against Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, and also getting out to bouncers from Marco Jansen – five wickets to short balls on a supposed ‘road’.”

Srikkanth did not spare the stand-in skipper, who was out to a rash shot in the first innings, when India needed a partnership in the middle. That stage, India were 105/4 and had lost three quick wickets, when Pant danced down the track and tried to take the aerial route against a pacer. “They will say it’s his natural game, but he is the captain. Shouldn’t he see the match situation?” Srikkanth added.