IND vs ENG Test: Ex-India cricketer questions Gautam Gambhir's tactics – 'Take a chill pill'

Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized Gautam Gambhir's coaching during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, citing "poor tactics" and "questionable selections." Manjrekar disputes Gambhir's claim that Karun Nair wasn't dropped, emphasizing India's past losses under Gambhir's leadership. He attributes the team's fighting spirit to the players, not tactical decisions.
IND vs ENG Test: Ex-India cricketer questions Gautam Gambhir's tactics – 'Take a chill pill'
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 21: India captain Shubman Gill speaks with coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar during a net session at Emirates Old Trafford on July 21, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has slammed head coach Gautam Gambhir for his "poor tactics" and "questionable selections" in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.On Sunday, after India pulled off a heist at Old Trafford, Gautam Gambhir said that Karun Nair was not dropped and that the team was picked based on the right combination.
Bombay Sport Exchange: FanCode's Yannick Colaco on toxic fan wars, India's sports ecosystem
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Gambhir's blunt statement didn’t sit well with Manjrekar."And to suggest that Karun Nair ‘wasn’t dropped’… come on. You guys see it as a drop; for them, it’s about ‘picking the right team.’ If someone is dropped, he is dropped,” Manjrekar said on JioHotstar.“I feel India has done well despite some of his (Gambhir’s) tactical decisions. Let’s not forget: India lost 3-0 at home to New Zealand and lost comfortably to Australia away. The fight we’ve seen in this team? That’s down to the players. Because tactically, Gambhir hasn’t always made things easier — especially with some of his selections,” he added.Manjrekar also urged Gambhir to relax a bit, saying he always appears to be in a combative mood."It’s not about ‘you guys think’ and ‘we think’ – we’re all part of the same industry and the same country. I’d just like to see him take a chill pill, relax a bit, and be open to tough questions. Whether that will happen, I’m not sure,” said Manjrekar.The fourth Test ended in a stalemate after centuries from skipper Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar saw India dominate the final day’s play at Old Trafford.The fifth and final Test will begin on July 31 at The Oval.
author
About the Author
TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

End of Article
Follow Us On Social Media