Former India captain and former chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has once again taken aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir, criticising him for what he believes is erratic and inconsistent team selection. His remarks came after South Africa dominated the opening three days of the second Test in Guwahati, tightening their grip on the series following their win in Kolkata.
Speaking on his YouTube show “Cheeky Cheeka”, which he co-hosts alongside his son Anirudha, Srikkanth questioned a host of selections made for the match and accused Gambhir of adopting a “constant chopping and changing” strategy. The latest outburst has added fuel to the fire in their simmering tension. Earlier this month, Srikkanth had lashed out at the selection of fast bowler Harshit Rana, labeling him a “yes-man to Gambhir,” a remark which the coach later termed “shameful.”
“Why isn’t Axar Patel playing? Was he unfit? He has been consistent at all levels. Why so much chopping and changing?” Srikkanth said, criticising the omission of the all-rounder. “Every alternate match someone is making a debut. They can call it trial and error. Gautam Gambhir can say whatever he wants — I don’t care. I have been a former captain and a former chairman of selectors. I know what I’m talking about.”
This time, Srikkanth broadened his criticism to India’s overall performance in Guwahati. He was surprised that the same surface India’s players had days before termed a “road” suddenly provided ample assistance to South Africa’s bowlers. He praised Simon Harmer’s orthodox turn on the ball – flighted and deceiving batsmen – as he took a swipe at India’s spinners for bowling flatter and quicker.
“I don’t understand,” he said. “Kuldeep Yadav said nothing was happening on the pitch. Then today we see Indians edging to slips against Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, and also getting out to bouncers from Marco Jansen — five wickets to short balls on a supposed ‘road’.”
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Srikkanth also pointed fingers at the Indian batting lineup, including stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, whose failed attempt to dance down the pitch and slog Marco Jansen resulted in a straightforward dismissal. He repeatedly admitted that India might still scrape out a draw but reiterated that the problem lay elsewhere. “The selection policy is wrong,” he said. “You need stability.”
“They will say it’s his natural game, but he is the captain,” Srikkanth said. “Shouldn’t he see the match situation?”
With South Africa leading the series 1–0 and in command of the Guwahati Test, scrutiny over India’s team management is growing and Srikkanth’s latest criticism ensures Gambhir and the selectors remain very much in the firing line.
