Amid growing criticism over his team selections, particularly the consistent benching of Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has finally addressed the issue, acknowledging the difficulty of his role. Gambhir's decisions have sparked debate among fans and cricket experts alike, especially during critical series such as the Test series against England and recent T20Is against Australia.
The exclusion of Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm seamer known for his ability to swing the ball, has particularly raised eyebrows. Despite being India's highest wicket-taker in T20Is, Arshdeep has frequently found himself out of the playing XI, with many questioning the preference for other pacers like Harshit Rana. Fans and former cricketers, like Irfan Pathan, have expressed disbelief at Arshdeep's omission, especially after his strong performances in the T20 World Cup 2024. Arshdeep's recent performance in the 3rd T20I against Australia, where he took 3 wickets, further fueled the criticism against Gambhir's earlier decision to bench him.
Kuldeep Yadav's situation is equally perplexing for many. The left-arm wrist-spinner, when given opportunities, has proven to be a potent attacking option, especially in the middle overs. Kuldeep played a crucial role in India's victory in the Asia Cup 2025, finishing the tournament with 17 wickets. Despite his form, he was dropped from the playing XI in the third T20I against Australia and has been in and out of the team.
Gambhir, addressing the criticism, emphasized the importance of transparent communication within the team to maintain a healthy environment. He stated that the "toughest part of being a coach" is telling players like Kuldeep and Arshdeep that they won't be playing. He has also brushed aside any "conspiracy theories" regarding team selection, assuring that the process is transparent.
While Gambhir hasn't explicitly detailed the reasons behind the exclusion of Arshdeep and Kuldeep, it's understood that team balance and specific match conditions play a crucial role in the decision-making. In some instances, the team management opted to strengthen the batting line-up by including all-rounders like Shivam Dube, even if it meant sacrificing a fast-bowling option like Arshdeep. The decision to play three spinners, as seen in some matches, also influenced the team composition.
Former cricketers like Navjot Singh Sidhu have defended Gambhir, pointing out his conviction in backing youngsters and making bold calls. Sidhu reminded critics of the flak Gambhir received during India's rough patch and called for them to acknowledge his success and give him the respect he's earned. Dinesh Karthik also supported the team management's decision to strengthen the batting line-up, emphasizing that the all-around ability of players like Dube outweighs the bowling edge that Arshdeep might bring.
Despite the justifications, the debate surrounding Arshdeep and Kuldeep's exclusion highlights the challenges faced by team management in balancing player form, team dynamics, and strategic requirements. Gambhir's statement underscores the human element involved in these decisions, acknowledging the difficulty of informing talented players that they won't be taking the field.
