‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Criticism Mounts Against Gautam Gambhir After India’s Batting Collapse

The backlash against Gautam Gambhir intensified after India’s heavy defeat in the ICC T20 World Cup match on 22 February against the South Africa national cricket team, with fans and former players questioning team selection, batting intent and leadership calls as pressure builds on the core management group.

Here’s what went wrong for Gautam Gambhir’s India against South Africa.

Why did India’s loss to South Africa trigger such strong criticism?

India’s collapse against South Africa brought back familiar concerns, especially passive batting through the middle overs and unclear tactical calls.

The scale of the defeat only magnified the reaction, turning what could have been seen as a bad outing into a broader debate about direction, leadership and preparation in high-pressure matches.

Why was Washington Sundar’s outing so heavily debated?

Washington Sundar struggled to make an impact with either bat or ball, which quickly drew sharp reactions online.

Reports noted that his performance sparked criticism and revived questions over Gambhir’s backing of him, with many arguing that Axar should have been prioritised in such a crucial contest.

Why did R Ashwin challenge Gautam Gambhir’s selection calls?

The decision to leave out Axar Patel despite his consistent returns became a major talking point.

Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said Axar “has been your MVP” and openly questioned the logic behind the call.

Critics also pointed to shifting batting roles and a cautious powerplay approach as signs of muddled planning.

What are former selectors and experts saying about Gambhir’s approach?

Former India player and selector Kris Srikkanth described the tactics against South Africa as “absolutely ridiculous” in an interview, highlighting indecisive leadership and a lack of defined roles.

Much of the criticism centred on reactive decision-making, particularly in key moments where India seemed short of clear ideas.

What did Ajinkya Rahane say about India’s selection calls?

Ajinkya Rahane said that “overthinking cost India”, especially the call to leave out Axar Patel.

He emphasised that constant experimentation in high-stakes games often backfires, adding that settled combinations usually hold greater value in major ICC tournaments.

Why did Shoaib Akhtar question India’s overall setup?

Shoaib Akhtar raised concerns about India’s bowling balance and control during the middle overs, suggesting the attack lacked bite once early wickets did not come.

While he did not single out Gambhir directly, he hinted that the side appeared short on strategic clarity when South Africa began to build momentum.

What were Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Amir reacting to?

Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Amir both questioned India’s team balance and batting intent during panel discussions.

They pointed out the absence of a clear Plan B, noting that South Africa adjusted better to the conditions while India looked rigid once the game started slipping away.

What comes next for Gautam Gambhir and Team India?

The upcoming fixtures will be a real test of Gambhir’s ability to take criticism in stride and make quick course corrections.

Greater clarity in selection, sharper game plans and backing in-form players could still help the team bounce back.

However, patience is already wearing thin, and results in the next matches will shape how this transition phase is judged.

(With inputs from yMedia)