India head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing serious criticism over how he has used all-rounder Washington Sundar during the T20I tour of Ireland. The debate started after India suffered an upset in Belfast, with many experts pointing to Sundar's unclear role as a major problem.
The main issue is that Sundar, who is 26 years old, has been used in different positions without a fixed plan. This has left him without a clear purpose in the team, affecting his performance with both bat and ball.
Sanjay Manjrekar Criticises Gambhir's Tactics
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has openly blamed Gambhir for getting "carried away" with Washington Sundar. According to News18, Manjrekar argued that Sundar lacks the batting pedigree to be used as a top-order batter and should be given a specific role instead of being shuffled around.
"Gautam Gambhir got too carried away with Washington Sundar. He wanted him everywhere, but Sundar doesn't have the batting pedigree for that." — Sanjay Manjrekar, as reported by News18
Demand for Clear Role Definition
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also joined the chorus, demanding that Gambhir give Sundar a "proper role clarity." According to Hindustan Times, Ashwin said that without a defined role, Sundar will "keep searching who he is" as a cricketer. This confusion, Ashwin argued, is hurting both the player and the team.
The statistics from the series show a worrying pattern. Sundar has struggled to make an impact with both bat and ball, which many believe is a direct result of not knowing what his primary job is in the playing XI.
What Went Wrong in Belfast
The Belfast upset has brought these issues to the forefront. According to ABP Live, the fundamental dilemma facing Gambhir and his support staff is the complete absence of defining parameters for Sundar's responsibilities. The team management has not decided whether Sundar is a batting all-rounder who bowls a few overs, or a bowling all-rounder who can bat lower down the order.
This lack of clarity has led to inconsistent performances. In one match, Sundar might be asked to bat at number three, and in the next, he is pushed down to number seven. Similarly, his bowling overs are not used in a fixed phase of the game, making it hard for him to settle into a rhythm.
Our Take: Gambhir Must Fix This Fast
In our view, this criticism is fair. A coach's job is to give every player a clear role and then back them to execute it. What we are seeing with Washington Sundar is the opposite — he is being used as a utility player without a defined identity.
This is not just about Sundar. It reflects a larger problem in the team's planning. If Gambhir wants Sundar to succeed, he must decide: Is Sundar a batter who bowls, or a bowler who bats? Once that is clear, Sundar can focus on his game instead of worrying about where he will be used next.
The Belfast upset should serve as a wake-up call. India cannot afford to waste a talented all-rounder like Sundar by not giving him a proper role. Gambhir needs to act quickly, or the confusion will only get worse.
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