“Gautam Gambhir can say whatever he wants, I don't care” - Ex-selector slams Indian head coach after India’s poor show vs South Africa

Former Indian selector and analyst Kris Srikkanth has slammed the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been under constant criticism for his selection calls and batting order changes in the longest format of the game.

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While India suffered a 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, they are in line to suffer their second consecutive Test series defeat to the SENA nations at home after earlier losing to New Zealand by 0-3 last year.

After opting to bat first in the second and final Test, South Africa posted a daunting first innings total of 489. In response, India put on a disappointing show, getting all out for 201 runs. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth criticised Gambhir for dropping Axar Patel from the XI.

"Why isn't Axar Patel playing? Was he unfit? He has been consistent at all levels. Why so much chopping and changing?" Srikkanth questioned Gambhir on his YouTube channel.

"Every alternate match, someone is making a debut. They can call it trial and error. Gautam Gambhir can say whatever he wants - I don't care. I have been a former captain and a former chairman of selectors. I know what I'm talking about," he added.

On the other hand, after the end of the second day’s play, Kuldeep Yadav, who is part of the playing XI in the second Test, stated that the surface turned out to be a pretty flat, terming it as a road. However, Indian batters failed to create an impact on the same surface.

"Kuldeep Yadav said nothing was happening on the pitch. Then today we see Indians edging to slips against Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, and also getting out to bouncers from Marco Jansen - five wickets to short balls on a supposed 'road'," Srikkanth concluded.

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