Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticised India coach Gautam Gambhir amid mounting pressure in the T20 World Cup. Shehzad alleged that Gambhir has brought politics into the Indian team environment. His remarks came after India suffered a heavy defeat against South Africa in the Super 8 stage. Consequently, India’s semi-final hopes now hang in serious doubt.
The loss has intensified scrutiny around team selection and tactical decisions. Fans and analysts have particularly questioned Gambhir’s choice of Washington Sundar over Axar Patel in a crucial encounter. Moreover, veteran cricketers including R Ashwin have reportedly expressed reservations about certain calls.
Speaking on the show Haarna Mana Hai, Shehzad argued that Gambhir’s mindset changed during his political career. Gambhir served as Member of Parliament from East Delhi between 2019 and 2024. According to Shehzad, that experience altered his approach to leadership.
“When you enter any field, complete focus is needed,” Shehzad said during the discussion. He added that Gambhir was not very successful in politics and may have carried those tendencies back into cricket.
Allegations of Politics Inside the Dressing Room
Shehzad claimed that internal politics has damaged the image of the Indian team. He suggested that decision-making lacks clarity and consistency. Furthermore, he argued that Gambhir has not managed team resources effectively during the tournament.
As an example, Shehzad pointed to Kuldeep Yadav’s limited opportunities. Kuldeep has played only one match in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Shehzad described Kuldeep as a proven match-winner who brings variation to the attack.
“You have a match-winner like Kuldeep Yadav, but he is not being handled correctly,” Shehzad said. He stressed that effective resource utilisation becomes crucial in high-pressure tournaments.
Shehzad also referred to an alleged incident involving Kuldeep Yadav and captain Suryakumar Yadav. Reports had surfaced about a push after India’s win against Pakistan. However, both players later shared a video dismissing any suggestion of a rift.
Despite that clarification, Shehzad believes the episode may hold deeper implications. He speculated that Kuldeep might have been left out due to a disciplinary issue. However, he acknowledged that such claims remain unconfirmed.
“There was an incident after the Pakistan game,” Shehzad stated. He added that people are now speculating whether a disciplinary matter influenced selection. Nevertheless, no official confirmation supports this theory.
Mounting Pressure Ahead of Crucial Match
India’s defeat to South Africa has amplified scrutiny on both Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav. Although India has not lost a bilateral series under the current leadership, tournament setbacks often trigger sharper criticism. Consequently, pressure has intensified ahead of their next Super 8 clash.
India is scheduled to face Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26. The match now carries added importance as the team seeks to revive its semi-final chances. Moreover, any further misstep could significantly dent qualification prospects.
Broader Context of Selection Debates
Selection controversies frequently emerge during major tournaments. Coaches often face tough choices balancing form, conditions and team combinations. However, public debate intensifies when results do not align with expectations.
In this case, the Washington Sundar selection drew particular attention. Critics argue that Axar Patel’s experience may have offered greater stability. Meanwhile, supporters of Gambhir maintain that tactical decisions depend on match-specific factors.
Nevertheless, Shehzad’s remarks have added an international dimension to the discussion. His comments reflect how closely regional rivals monitor each other’s cricketing affairs.
Focus Shifts to On-Field Performance
Ultimately, India’s response on the field will determine the narrative. A strong performance against Zimbabwe could ease immediate pressure. Conversely, another setback may amplify calls for strategic review.
For now, the Indian team management has not publicly responded to Shehzad’s allegations. Instead, attention remains fixed on preparations for the upcoming fixture.
As the Super 8 stage progresses, every decision will carry heightened significance. While criticism continues off the field, results in the middle will shape the tournament’s outcome.
