Sanjay Manjrekar tears into Gautam Gambhir's ‘tactical missteps’: ‘He hasn't made it easier with selections’

Sanjay Manjrekar tears into Gautam Gambhir's ‘tactical missteps’

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar was blunt in his criticism of Gautam Gambhir's "tactical missteps" in the current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, claiming that the visitors are performing well in the UK in spite of the present head coach's bad selection decisions. Manjrekar's comments immediately following Gambhir's heated news conference, which took place after India miraculously drew the Manchester Test.

Due to India's dismal performance in the longest format, head coach Gambhir is facing criticism. India have suffered defeats in the last two Test series against New Zealand (home) and Australia (away). India are behind England in the five-match series as well. Yet, a youthful squad under Shubman Gill's leadership keeps challenging England.

India have dominated England for the most part of the series, but Ben Stokes' squad has won the key moments, so they are ahead 2-1. But starting on Thursday, July 31, the visitors have a realistic opportunity of saving the series in the last match at The Oval.

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Nevertheless, despite Gambhir's selection decisions, Manjrekar expressed India are performing well although the mistakes by coach haven't made things any simpler.

“India have performed well despite some of his tactical missteps. Let's not forget: India were swept 3-0 at home by New Zealand, who then lost comfortably to Australia,” Manjrekar said on JioHotstar after the Manchester Test came to an end.

After eight years, Karun Nair returned to the Test playing XI, however he was benched for the Manchester Test after failing to light the stage on fire in the opening three games. In response to a question concerning the removal of the right-hander from the starting lineup, Gambhir stated that the squad always plays the best XI and never drops anyone.

Manjrekar did not take this comment well, stating that there is no other way to interpret this story and that a player who is dropped is dropped.

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“The fight we’ve seen in this team? That’s down to the players. Because tactically, Gambhir hasn’t always made things easier - especially with some of his selections,” said Manjrekar. “And to suggest that Karun Nair ‘wasn’t dropped’... come on. You guys see it as a drop; for them, it's about 'picking the right team,” he added.

India have endured eight defeats, two victories, and two draws in their last 12 Test matches under Gambhir.