‘It was just too much’: Sanjay Manjrekar questions Gautam Gambhir’s tactical flexibility
Former India batter and cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar has issued a sharp critique of Head Coach Gautam Gambhir regarding the tactical utilization of all-rounder Washington Sundar. Following recent experiments in the batting order during India’s white-ball assignments, Manjrekar questioned the logic of promoting Sundar ahead of established finishers.
While the Indian team management has emphasized tactical flexibility under Gambhir’s tenure, the decision to utilize Sundar as a floater in the lineup—specifically elevating him to No. 5—has sparked debate regarding role clarity for specialist batters like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube.
The ‘Kailas Jeevan’ Analogy
Speaking on CNN-News18’s Stump Mic, Manjrekar used a culturally resonant metaphor to describe Gambhir’s apparent reliance on Sundar to plug multiple gaps in the XI, regardless of the match situation.
“Kailas Jeevan, there used to be a medicine by that name back in the day. If you had a headache, you would use it. If you had a stomach issue, you would take it. It was an all-in-one remedy,” Manjrekar said. “Gautam Gambhir seems to have an all-in-one solution for everything too, Washington Sundar.”
Manjrekar argued that while versatility is an asset, over-reliance on a single player to fix both bowling matchups and batting collapses can be detrimental to the team’s balance.
- The Critique: Using one player as a solution for every tactical problem.
- The Context: Sundar’s promotion to No. 5 in T20Is, pushing finishers down the order.
- The Result: Disruption of the specialized roles for players like Rinku Singh.
Tactical Analysis: The Batting Order Shuffle
The core of Manjrekar’s criticism stems from the BCCI selection committee and team management’s decision to hold back aggressive power-hitters. In recent outings, specifically during the Sri Lanka tour which marked Gambhir’s first assignment, Sundar was sent in to stabilize the innings, a move that Manjrekar feels undermines the specialists.
“If there’s a batting problem, Washi. If there’s a bowling problem, Washi. He was promoted up the order to No. 5 today, and then Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya walked in at No. 7. It was just too much,” Manjrekar added.
Batting Order Impact (Recent T20I Configurations)
| Batting Position | Traditional Role | Gambhir’s Experiment | Strategic Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 4/5 | Anchor/Spin Basher | Washington Sundar | Lower strike rate compared to specialists |
| No. 6/7 | Finisher | Rinku Singh / Hardik Pandya | Reduced deliveries for impact players |
Addressing the ‘Spin’ Problem
Beyond the batting order, Manjrekar highlighted a worrying trend in India’s handling of slower bowlers. He pointed out that despite the reputation of Indian batters playing spin well, recent performances suggest a vulnerability against well-disguised slower deliveries and quality spin on turning tracks.
“Forget fast bowling, focus on playing the slower balls. They are not able to handle slower balls or spinners,” Manjrekar noted, suggesting this technical flaw requires urgent attention from the coaching staff ahead of major ICC tournaments.
Looking Ahead
As the Indian National Cricket Team prepares for upcoming series, the scrutiny on Gambhir’s tactical gambles will likely intensify. While the head coach is known for his aggressive and non-traditional approach—a style that brought him success in the IPL—finding the right balance between innovation and stability remains the primary challenge.
For live statistics and player records, visit ESPNcricinfo.