Former Indian wicketkeeper batsman Dinesh Karthik they believe that there can be a difference between the main coaches Gautam Gambhir it is a great choice Ajit Agarkarshowing that the difference in lead might have helped India’s selection in the recent T20I tour of UK. India endured a disappointing campaign under the captaincy Shreyas Iyerafter losing the two-match series 2-0 to Ireland before being beaten 4-0 by England in five T20Is. The match put Gambhir under a lot of scrutiny, as he worked Sanju Samson and youth sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also appeared. Sooryavanshi, who impressed in the IPL, was tipped by many to make his international debut in the Irish game. However, Samson retained his place in the XI. After Samson’s three-wicket haul, he was dropped in place of the 15-year-old, who started against England but failed to produce. Sooryavanshi was then left out of the fifth and final T20I, with Samson returning to the side. Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Karthik said that the constant changes indicate that there may be a rift between the team management and the selection committee. “It’s a bit of a tussle between the general manager and the head coach. I feel like Agarkar has long-term plans, and the current coach is saying, ‘You know, I want to win every game I play.’ Hence, the chaos we see unfolding before us. Is it good for players? No,” said Karthik. He added that the great depth of the Indian team only adds to the pressure on the players who want to strengthen their position. “I mean, if you’re from India, just imagine the bench strength you have? Everyone thinks if I have a couple of bad games, anyone can replace me. Moreover, this happens, it is a situation that India needs to be aware of and fix soon,” he added. Karthik also said that Agarkar’s interest seems to be developing in the next generation, while Gambhir is naturally under pressure to deliver results sooner rather than later. “I think captain Agarkar has an eye on the future, and he wants to see a team of players. At this point, Gambhir can think, ‘I want to win every series because it’s my name on the line.’ So, maybe there is a conflict; it seems so,” said Karthik. “There is one selector who wants to make the team, and there is another one who says I want to do well because every series I play, my name is on the line with the captain,” he added. After a disappointing tour, the BCCI has confirmed that it will review India’s performance in T20I matches in the UK, the team’s decision and overall results are expected to be assessed.
