Photo via The Times of India

'Gambhir is chopping and changing': Ex-Australia player calls India 'unsettled'

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has raised concerns about India’s inconsistent form under head coach Gautam Gambhir, citing frequent changes to the batting order and squad rotations as key factors. Despite leading India to victories in the 2024 Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup, Gambhir’s team has faced struggles in other formats, including home Test series losses to New Zealand and South Africa, as well as defeats in ODIs and T20Is.

Watson acknowledged Gambhir’s support for players like wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who delivered crucial performances in the T20 World Cup knockout stages after receiving backing from the coach. However, Watson emphasized the need for greater stability, arguing that excessive player shuffling undermines consistency and makes it harder for India to dominate globally.

India’s recent setback came in a high-scoring T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi, where the visitors chased down a target of 250 for the loss of six wickets. Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford led the charge with unbeaten scores of 102 and 84, respectively, while Sanju Samson top-scored for India with 82.

The series remains tied at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled for Indore before India embarks on a comprehensive tour of New Zealand across all formats.

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