‘Gambhir keeps cutting and changing’: Former Australia player calls India ‘restless’ and explains why

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson criticized India head coach Gautam Gambhir, saying frequent changes to the playing eleven and batting order affected the team’s consistency across formats.Since becoming the head coach in mid-2024, Gambhir has led India to Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup titles. However, the team struggled in other competitions, suffering defeats in the home Test series against New Zealand and South Africa along with losses in ODI and T20I cricket.“The thing you keep seeing and the reason why India have been inconsistent under Gambhir is the constant chopping and changing around the batting order. Players always come and go and when the team is out of balance, whether it’s the batting order or the comings and goings of players, it becomes more difficult for the team to be consistent. That’s why India Prime Video is so inconsistent,” Watson said.

Watson praises Gambhir’s support for the players

Despite his criticism, Watson acknowledged Gambhir’s positive impact, particularly his willingness to support players. He pointed to wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, who put in important performances during the T20 World Cup qualifiers after getting the coach’s support.“There are a lot of incredible things that Gambhir has brought to the Indian setup. There is no doubt about that. With the support of players like Sanju Samson, Gambhir has done wonders for Samson. Samson has repaid him and done amazing things in the backend of the T20 World Cup. So there are a lot of great things that Gambhir has brought,” Watson added.However, Watson feels that India need to give the players more stability and time to settle into their roles.“I believe there is too much chopping and changing around the players under Gambhir. There needs to be a bit more continuity and for world cricket if they do that, it will be ridiculously difficult to beat them,” Watson said.

West Indies stun India in highly rated T20I

Meanwhile, India suffered a six-wicket defeat against West Indies in Ranchi after the visitors chased down a massive target of 250 to level the five-match series at 1-1.Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 balls while Sherfane Rutherford smashed 84 off 37 deliveries as the pair put together a match-winning 120-run partnership.Earlier, Sanju Samson scored 82 off 41 balls to help India to 249-5. The teams will meet in the third T20I in Indore on Sunday before India begin a comprehensive all-format tour of New Zealand.