Team India’s tour of Australia got off to a disappointing start with a crushing seven-wicket defeat in the opening ODI at Perth. While inconsistent performances from players contributed to the loss, head coach Gautam Gambhir has also come under scrutiny. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly questioned Gambhir’s team selection strategy, warning that it could harm one of India’s key performers — Kuldeep Yadav.

Ashwin’s Strong Words for Gambhir

After the defeat, Ashwin shared a video on his YouTube channel, where he raised concerns over Gambhir’s handling of the team composition. Without directly blaming him, Ashwin cautioned that frequent changes in the playing XI could negatively affect players’ confidence — particularly that of Kuldeep Yadav.

Ashwin remarked,

“When a player is left out despite performing well, it naturally makes him question himself — ‘Am I the reason for the team’s loss?’ This self-doubt can be dangerous, especially when the player has been in top form.”

He added that if Kuldeep, despite his consistent performances, continues to be benched in favor of all-rounders, it could affect his mental state and motivation.

“Play Your Best Bowlers,” Says Ashwin

Ashwin further urged Gambhir to rethink his obsession with all-rounders and focus more on bowling depth. He emphasized that the team’s success depends on deploying its best bowlers rather than overcrowding the lineup with batters.

“I understand the desire to strengthen batting depth,” Ashwin said. “But if it comes at the cost of your best bowlers sitting out, it’s not a balanced approach. Bowlers win you matches, not just extra batsmen.”

He also pointed out that India already has three capable all-rounders, including Nitish Reddy, and adding more at the expense of frontline bowlers makes little sense. According to him, if Kuldeep Yadav — one of India’s most effective limited-overs spinners — doesn’t play every match, it sends the wrong signal to both the team and the player.

Pressure Mounts After Perth Defeat

In the first ODI, Australia chased down India’s total with ease, exposing weaknesses in both the bowling attack and team balance. Critics and fans alike questioned whether Gambhir’s experimental approach had backfired. His preference for extra batting options over a complete bowling unit was seen as a tactical misstep.

Ashwin’s remarks have only fueled this debate further, suggesting that India’s head coach might need to recalibrate his strategy ahead of the next games.

The Bigger Picture: Managing Talent and Team Balance

Ashwin’s criticism touches upon a deeper issue that often plagues Indian cricket — the challenge of balancing star players, form, and team composition. Dropping in-form bowlers for the sake of batting depth has historically backfired, and Ashwin fears the same could happen again.

Experts believe that with bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav at their peak, India must give them consistent opportunities. Constant chopping and changing not only impacts team rhythm but also erodes player confidence.

A Wake-Up Call for Team India

As the series continues, the spotlight will remain on Gautam Gambhir’s decisions — both as a strategist and motivator. The former cricketer, known for his aggressive mindset, now faces the challenge of proving that his approach can deliver results abroad.

For now, India’s path forward will depend on whether Gambhir takes heed of Ashwin’s warning. If Team India hopes to bounce back in the remaining matches, restoring balance — and faith in players like Kuldeep Yadav — may be the first step toward recovery.