Gautam Gambhir under fire! 'Stop confusing him': Ex-India star blasts team management | Cricket News - The Times of India
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and the management to stop shuffling Washington Sundar between roles in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa national cricket team. Ashwin argued that Sundar needs a clearly defined role — ideally as a frontline bowler who can also bat — to perform effectively. In the first two matches, Sundar batted at No. 5 and then No. 6, bowled just seven overs without success, and scored only 13 and 1. According to Ashwin, inconsistent usage and lack of clarity have hampered his confidence and performance. He even questioned why a more powerful all-rounder, such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, wasn’t considered to bolster India’s finishing strength. The public remarks have intensified scrutiny on Gambhir’s decision-making and the team’s balance heading into the final ODI in Vizag.
The Key points
- Ashwin criticised Gambhir and the team management for unclear use of Sundar.
- Sundar has been shifted in the batting order — first to No. 5, then No. 6 — in first two ODIs.
- He scored only 13 and 1 in those matches and bowled seven overs without a wicket.
- Ashwin said Sundar should be treated primarily as a bowler who contributes with the bat, not the other way round.
- He warned that partial use — just batting or limited bowling — keeps Sundar uncertain about his role.
- Ashwin pointed out India’s weak finish in both games — even after being 284/4 after 40 overs in the second match, they ended at 358.
- He questioned why a hard-hitting, pace-all-rounder like Nitish Kumar Reddy wasn’t tried instead of a spinning option.
- With several experienced bowlers unavailable, Ashwin argued India might need an extra 30–40 runs each match.
- The critique adds to growing calls for strategic clarity and better team balance from India’s management.
- As the series moves to its final ODI in Vizag, pressure mounts on Gambhir to make more decisive selection and role decisions.
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