NEW DELHI: As Team India gears up for must-win clashes at Old Trafford and The Oval to salvage their Test series in England, head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under increasing scrutiny over the team’s selection strategy — or the lack of clarity surrounding it.
Following India’s crushing defeat in the third Test at Lord’s, several questions have emerged regarding team composition and the management’s vision for the future. Gambhir, who took charge amidst high expectations, now finds himself at the center of criticism as fans and experts debate the omissions and selections made during this crucial overseas tour.
One of the main talking points has been the continued sidelining of domestic stalwart Abhimanyu Easwaran. Despite being a consistent performer at the domestic level and leading India A, Easwaran is yet to receive a Test cap — a situation that has frustrated many in the cricketing fraternity.
Former India batter and coach WV Raman voiced his concerns about the uncertainty surrounding Easwaran’s future. Speaking to RevSportz, Raman said, “For someone like Abhimanyu Easwaran, it’s only fair to offer a proper run. Playing just one sporadic Test doesn’t benefit the player or the team. He has toured with the team enough. If there’s no plan to play him, then why carry him again and again?”
Raman emphasized the psychological impact such prolonged uncertainty can have on a player. “It becomes tricky. At some point, the player begins to wonder how the management views him. Is he just a backup option or a real contender? If the selectors rate him — and it seems they do, given his inclusion in A tours and his captaincy — then why hasn’t he been given a chance?”
India’s defeat at Lord’s has fueled demands for fresh faces in the playing XI for the remaining two Tests. Fans and former cricketers alike have been calling for the inclusion of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and spinner Kuldeep Yadav, both of whom have been warming the bench so far.
With the series standing at 1-2 in England’s favor, the pressure on Gambhir and the team management has intensified. While Shubman Gill’s heroic innings at Edgbaston brought brief respite, the team’s inconsistency has reignited questions about selection strategy and long-term planning.
Gautam Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense approach, now faces a crucial test of leadership and vision. Will he continue with the current XI, or make bold changes in response to growing calls from within the cricketing community?
For now, one thing is clear — the remaining Tests are not just about leveling the series, but also about establishing clarity in selection and signaling the team’s direction moving forward.
With India’s hopes riding on these final matches, Gambhir’s next set of decisions could define his tenure and shape the careers of fringe players like Easwaran who have waited long enough for their shot.
