Ahmed Shehzad, a former batter for Pakistan, attacked India coach Gautam Gambhir, accusing him of introducing politics into the Indian team's atmosphere.
Gambhir is under increasing pressure after his team's crushing loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super 8s stage cast doubt on their chances of making it to the semi-finals. In addition, some of his choices for the game were questioned.
Fans criticized Gambhir for selecting Washington Sundar over Axar Patel in a pivotal game, with players like R Ashwin and others raising doubts about the decision.
Ahmed Shehzad claimed that throughout Gambhir's time in Indian politics from 2019 to 2024 as an East Delhi Member of Parliament, his perspective shifted.
“When you enter any field, complete focus is needed. Gambhir entered politics, and obviously, his mindset changed. He was not very successful in politics, but it seems he has brought that same politics into the team environment. All this politics from Gautam Gambhir has damaged the image of the Indian team," said Shehzad on the Pakistani TV show Haarna Mana Hai.
Shehzad chastised Gambhir for failing to make the best use of his resources, citing Kuldeep Yadav, who only played one game in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
“The team resources are not being used properly—Gautam Gambhir is not managing them as well. You have a match-winner like Kuldeep Yadav, but he’s not being handled correctly," said Shehzad.
Shehzad also alleged that Kuldeep Yadav might be excluded from the playing XI after his altercation with India captain Suryakumar Yadav after the win over Pakistan.
“There was an incident after the Pakistan game where Suryakumar Yadav pushed him. People are now saying that perhaps Kuldeep Yadav was dropped because of a disciplinary issue or a problem with Suryakumar Yadav. Otherwise, he would not have been left out. Kuldeep Yadav brings variation and is a match-winner," he said.
Shehzad said during the show that the pressure is mounting on Gambhir and Suryakumar, who have not lost a bilateral T20I series since taking over after the 2024 T20 World Cup. India plays Zimbabwe in their second Super 8 match on Thursday, February 26, in Chennai.
