Gandhi responded to criticism of the Indian selection panel over Suryakumar's absence for Australia tour.
Suryakumar couldn't find a spot for himself in the touring contingent despite his magnificent form playing for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2020 in UAE, which disappointed many big names within the set-up apart from the fans outside.
But Gandhi asked, in a team packed till No.7 with good enough back-ups also available, where exactly would they have fit Suryakumar in?
"I would request the experts that while they are talking about Suryakumar’s exclusion, they should also tell us who should have been kept out," Gandhi said in an interview with Times of India.
"India has a huge bench strength and the selection process is often about exclusion. There can be four equally good players for one slot. Obviously, you have to keep some talented players out."
"Suryakumar is a brilliant player, but he will have to be patient. He must keep performing. Mayank Agarwal is one batsman who barged into the squad, consistently performing well," he added.
In many ways, the uproar over Suryakumar's absence is similar to the one that Gandhi experienced when MSK Prasad was the chief selector last year and Ambati Rayudu hadn't been picked for the 2019 World Cup squad. However, Gandhi admitted they did err in Rayudu's case.
"Yes, that was a mistake, but then we are humans too," he said. "At that time we seemed to have hit the right combination, but later we realised Rayudu’s presence might have helped."
"Actually, India had one bad day in office during the World Cup and that’s why Rayudu’s absence became such a big talking point."
"Apart from that one match, India had an excellent tournament. I can understand Rayudu’s angst and his reactions were justified," Gandhi added.
As his tenure in the selection committee nears its end, the former India batsman also responded to question marks constantly raised over the panel's overall experience at the highest level.
"How many Tests has Ed Smith (England’s national selector) played? He selected a World Cup-winning squad. How many years in international cricket does Trevor Hohns (Australia’s chief selector) have?" asked Gandhi.
"Too much importance is given to experience in India. All you should have is an eye for talent and the willingness to work hard. We have unearthed a lot of talent over the past four years."
"Our focus has been to not just give India a good squad, but back it up with a strong bench. I think we have managed to do that quite well."
On relationship with Virat Kohli, Gandhi said they've had their difference of opinion with the skipper, but have ultimately managed to come together and make the right choices for the Indian team.
"Yes, we had differences and we would debate, discus and come to a consensus. There have been times when Kohli has asked us what we have seen in a particular player. We had to convince him that the concerned player has the skills to play for India," he said.