-1791539739040_v.webp)
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under fresh scrutiny, with former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson questioning the team’s consistency under his leadership.
Gambhir has enjoyed success in white-ball cricket, guiding India to the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup titles since taking charge in mid-2024. However, the team’s results across formats have been mixed, with its performances in Test cricket drawing particular attention.
India have suffered home Test series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa. The team also lost a home ODI series to New Zealand this year and has faced defeats against Australia and England over the past 12 months. India have also had disappointing results in T20Is against Ireland and England.
Watson believes frequent changes to the playing XI and batting order have played a part in India’s inconsistent performances.
Shane Watson Points To Frequent Changes Under Gautam Gambhir
Watson feels India need to settle on a more consistent combination instead of making regular changes to the batting order and team selection.
Speaking on Prime Video’s YouTube channel, the former Australia all-rounder explained how these changes can make it difficult for players to find their rhythm and understand their roles in the team.
“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 the Prime Video’s YouTube channel.
Watson Praises Gambhir For Backing Sanju Samson
While Watson raised concerns about India’s team selection, he also credited Gambhir for backing players and giving them opportunities to prove themselves.
He pointed to wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson as an example. Samson delivered important performances in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup this year after receiving the team’s backing.
“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.
The former Australian all-rounder acknowledged that Gambhir has brought several positives to the Indian team, even as he questioned the frequent changes in the playing XI.
Watson Wants More Continuity In Team India
Watson believes India have the quality to become an even stronger side if the management provides greater stability to the team.
He reiterated that reducing frequent changes and maintaining continuity could help India get better results across formats.
“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.
India Set For All-Format Tour Of New Zealand
India are currently playing a five-match T20I series against the West Indies. The series will be followed by an all-format tour of New Zealand.
The upcoming tour will feature two Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is. It will give Gambhir and his team another opportunity to address concerns about their performances and find greater consistency across formats.
