Gautam Gambhir insists on dressing-room security amid questions over India's selection policy

November 1, 2026

Indian team manager Gautam Gambhir recently defended the squad selection strategy amid public debate over playing time for rising teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. After initially being placed third in the batting order during the second match of the series, the young left-handed batsman was advanced to the opening position in the subsequent game and produced forty-five runs from nineteen deliveries to help secure a victory in just 13.3 overs while chasing 199.

Despite that strong performance, the athlete was left out of the starting lineup for the fourth and fifth fixtures of the five-match contest against New Zealand.

Gambhir explained that his primary responsibility is making correct choices rather than popular ones, emphasizing that maintaining stability within the team environment is vital for player confidence. He noted that individuals who have performed well across extended periods deserve sustained support rather than constant rotation just because new prospects emerge.

The coach also commended the traveling squad for adjusting swiftly to foreign conditions following a tight turnaround from their previous departure on the 18th following a conclusion on the 17th, ultimately locking up the series victory after taking the first three matches.