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

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has criticised India head coach Gautam Gambhir, saying frequent changes to the playing XI and batting order have affected the team's consistency across formats. Since becoming head coach in mid-2024, Gambhir has guided India to Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup titles. However, the team has struggled in other competitions, suffering home Test series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa, along with losses in ODI and T20I cricket. “The thing that you continue to see and the reason India have been inconsistent under Gambhir is the chopping and changing around the batting order all the time. Players are coming in and out always, and when the team is unsettled, be it the batting order or players coming in and out, that just makes it more difficult for the team to be consistent. That’s why India have been so inconsistent,” Watson said on Prime Video’s YouTube channel.

Watson Praises Gambhir's Support for Players

Despite his criticism, Watson acknowledged Gambhir's positive impact, particularly his willingness to back players. He pointed to wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who delivered important performances during the T20 World Cup knockout matches after receiving the coach's support. “There are a lot of incredible things that Gambhir has brought to the Indian setup. There is no question about that. With the backing of players like Sanju Samson, Gambhir has done wonders for Samson. Samson repaid him and did some amazing things in the backend of the T20 World Cup. So there are a lot of great things Gambhir has brought,” Watson added.

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However, Watson believes India need to give players more stability and time to settle into their roles. “My belief is there is too much chopping and changing around the players under Gambhir. There needs to be a little more continuity there, and for world cricket, if they do that, they are going to be ridiculously hard to beat,” said Watson.

West Indies Stun India in High-Scoring 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 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 post 249-5. The teams will meet in the third T20I in Indore on Sunday, before India begin an extensive all-format tour of New Zealand.

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