India's cricketing fraternity has witnessed a tense exchange in recent days involving former players and the national team's head coach. The debate centres on how much public criticism is appropriate when discussing current team selections.
With India preparing for their upcoming white-ball series in Australia, opinions from former stars on selection choices have resurfaced, highlighting the fine line between analysis and personal attack.
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Balwinder Sandhu criticises Gautam Gambhir's public rebuttal
1983 World Cup-winning pacer Balwinder Sandhu publicly expressed disappointment with head coach Gautam Gambhir after he rebuked former India opener Kris Srikkanth.
Srikkanth had raised concerns about Harshit Rana's frequent selection, hinting at possible favouritism due to Rana's prior association with Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders during IPL 2024.
Sandhu emphasised that while it's natural to agree or disagree with opinions, publicly criticising former players crosses a line.
"One can choose to agree or disagree, but there is no reason to rebuke him publicly. Yes, Srikkanth has his own flamboyant style of speaking, just like his batting, and that's exactly what we love about him," Sandhu wrote in Mid Day.
Leadership and respect in Indian Cricket: Sandhu's take on public criticism
Sandhu urged that the views of former players be respected and taken in the spirit they are offered. He noted that Gambhir, as head coach, should focus on current team challenges rather than publicly engaging in disputes.
"As head coach, it's always wiser to focus on the battle on hand rather than opening too many fronts and losing sight of the main goal. I was genuinely pained to read Gautam Gambhir publicly rebuking Srikkanth’s views," Sandhu added.
Sandhu further highlighted that leadership is best demonstrated through calm focus and example, not reaction, emphasising that the role of a head coach carries responsibility beyond personal ego.
Harshit Rana, the player at the centre of the discussion, debuted in India's Test series in Australia and has played 10 matches across formats, continuing to attract attention with his consistent selection in white-ball squads.
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