Will Gautam Gambhir’s musical chairs continue in ODIs? Litmus test awaits after whitewashing test

Flexibility. This is probably the first word in Gautam Gambhir’s dictionary. Ever since we became head coach of India, we have hardly seen the Men in Blue field the same XI in consecutive matches. He likes to cut and change compositions without worrying about the players, who must adapt to new roles.

While it can be argued that the sole purpose of bilateral white-ball series is to prepare for ICC events, this practice has now crept into Test cricket as well. Since Gambhir took over as India’s head coach in July 2024, India have only played consecutive Test matches twice with the same XI. His preference for all-rounders led to specialists, both batters and bowlers, often warming the bench.

On the eve of the 1st India vs South Africa ODI, we wonder if these musical chairs with queues will continue in Ranchi as well. Due to injuries to Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, at least two changes were already expected. But some players were also dropped or rested.

No clarity on batting positions

But even that is good. Ravindra Jadeja replaces Axar Patel. Nitish Kumar Reddy will return to the team after injury spoiled his tour of Australia. These changes are expected. But we can’t be sure what Gambhir is up to. We can assume that Yashasvi Jaiswal will open with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue at three o’clock.

KL Rahul has confirmed that he will play at number six and Rishabh Pant will be part of India’s Playing XI in Ranchi. This leaves two middle order points open, and this is where the confusion arises. Some reports suggest that Ravindra Jadeja will take the fifth spot from Axar. Others suggest that Ruturaj Gaikwad might be asked to bat at number four.

But the truth is that no one can predict what Gambhir has decided. Given his affinity for left-handed hitters, who knows if he plays Tilak Varma? Team India needs interim solutions. Jaiswal for Gill, Pant for Shreyas and Jadeja for Axar.

However, a problem will be created if someone else plays it. What if Washington Sundar was promoted to four or five and asked to play as a frontline hitter, only for him to be demoted again when Shreyas returned? The same goes for Nitish. Although Gambhir gave them every chance, he did not provide them with any clarity.

By constantly changing their batting orders, these players will naturally experience an identity crisis. In one game, Washington faces a batter who is a frontline bowler, and in another, he becomes a frontline hitter. It’s best to play or create backups for these spots, so if and when the main players arrive, at least the other players know what their role is.