New Delhi â India's recent T20 International performances have ignited a firestorm of criticism from former national cricketers, who are openly questioning the selection policies and leadership decisions. The strong reactions follow India's back-to-back series defeats against Ireland and England, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency in squad choices. Several prominent ex-players have voiced concerns over alleged favoritism and inconsistent handling of talent.
Growing Discontent Over Squad Choices
Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath was particularly critical of the inclusion of young all-rounder Suryansh Shedge in the T20I squad for the tours of Ireland and England. Speaking on his YouTube channel, "Cric it with Badri," Badrinath suggested that Shedge's selection appeared to be influenced by captain Shreyas Iyer. "This looks like a Shreyas selection. Shreyas clearly has a say in selection, evidenced by this," Badrinath said. He pointed out that Shedge, who plays for Punjab Kings in the IPL and for Mumbai in domestic cricket, managed only eight runs and failed to pick up a single wicket in his two T20I appearances. Badrinath insisted that Shedge had not done enough in T20 cricket to warrant a place ahead of more experienced players.[yardbarker+4]
Badrinath also dismissed common excuses like "IPL hangover" or player fatigue for the team's poor showing. He stated that representing India is a privilege and players must be prepared to deliver regardless of their workload. "I won't accept excuses like IPL hangover and body tiredness. These are things those that work for daily wages can say. A high-level Indian professional cricketer can't say these," Badrinath explained. India suffered a 0-2 defeat against Ireland before being whitewashed 0-4 by England, raising significant questions about the team's overall strategy.[yardbarker+4]
Vihari, Jaffer, Srikkanth Weigh In
The criticism extends beyond a single player. Out-of-favor India batter Hanuma Vihari also joined the chorus, slamming head coach Gautam Gambhir for alleged favoritism in selections. Vihari, speaking on his YouTube channel after India's 4-0 loss to England, questioned the continued inclusion of all-rounders Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar despite their poor form. He also highlighted the constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, which he believes failed to instill confidence in players like Sanju Samson and the teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.[indianexpress]
Former India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Wasim Jaffer raised concerns about the squad chosen for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting July 23. Jaffer questioned the selection of pacers Ashok Sharma and Mayank Yadav. He specifically noted Mayank Yadav's recurring fitness issues and lack of consistent game time, making his selection a surprise despite his potential. Jaffer also pointed out the omission of high-performing IPL 2026 stars such as Rasikh Salam, who took 19 wickets in 12 matches, and SunRisers Hyderabad pacer Sakib Hussain, who claimed 15 wickets in 11 matches.[indianexpress+1]
Adding to the growing concern, former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth also blasted the selection decisions for the Zimbabwe series. Srikkanth expressed his bewilderment over the inclusion of Punjab Kings players Yash Thakur and Suryansh Shedge. He highlighted that Thakur played only one game in IPL 2026, conceding 55 runs in four overs. Srikkanth further questioned the exclusion of experienced players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rajat Patidar, and Krunal Pandya, who had helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru win a second consecutive IPL title. He also voiced his surprise at Rinku Singh's return to the squad for the Zimbabwe tour, especially after Rinku had struggled in the T20 World Cup earlier this year and was omitted from the England T20I series.[sportskeeda+2]
Samson's Omission Sparks Outcry
One of the most vocal criticisms has been directed at the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson from the squad for the Zimbabwe T20I series. Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa strongly condemned the decision, calling it "not right" and expressing disbelief. Samson was named the Player of the Tournament in India's victorious 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, where he averaged over 80 with a strike rate of almost 200 in five matches, including a hat-trick of half-centuries in the knockout stages. Uthappa stated that when he first saw the squad without Samson's name, he thought it was a "fan-created team."[sportskeeda+1]
Former India chief selector MSK Prasad echoed this sentiment, calling Samson's exclusion a "big mistake." Prasad highlighted Samson's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup, particularly in English conditions, where he excels on hard and bouncy wickets. He questioned why a player who delivered match-winning performances in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final of a World Cup would be dropped after just two or three low scores.[sportskeeda+2]
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif also criticized the team management's "confused" handling of both Sanju Samson and the young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the recent UK tour. Kaif took to social media, stating he had "never seen a more confused Indian cricket team management." He stressed that players like Samson, a World Cup winner, and Sooryavanshi, a generational talent, need confidence, not doubts, in their minds. Samson was initially played in Ireland, then dropped for Sooryavanshi in England after failing to reach double digits in three matches. He was later recalled for the fifth T20I against England, only to be excluded from the Zimbabwe tour squad, while Sooryavanshi was retained. This inconsistent approach has left many observers perplexed.[timesofindia+6]
Calls for Accountability and Clarity
The widespread criticism underscores a growing demand for greater transparency and consistency in India's T20I selection process. Critics argue that the current approach creates uncertainty for players and undermines team morale, especially after the team's recent dismal performances. The repeated chopping and changing, coupled with the perceived favoritism, are seen as detrimental to building a stable and confident squad.
While former chief selector MSK Prasad urged patience in judging head coach Gautam Gambhir's tenure, noting that key players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah were absent from the recent tours, he remained firm on Samson's mishandling. "Why the axe is always on Sanju? Dropping Sanju was a big mistake," Prasad told PTI. He also expressed concern over rushing 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into high-pressure international cricket without a gradual build-up.[timesofindia]
The string of losses against Ireland and England, coupled with the contentious squad announcements, has placed significant pressure on the Indian team management and captain Shreyas Iyer. As India prepares for the Zimbabwe series, the focus will remain not just on the team's performance, but also on whether the selectors can address the concerns raised by a growing number of former cricketers and bring stability to the T20I setup.[timesofindia]
New Delhi â India's recent T20 International performances have ignited a firestorm of criticism from former national cricketers, who are openly questioning the selection policies and leadership decisions. The strong reactions follow India's back-to-back series defeats against Ireland and England, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency in squad choices. Several prominent ex-players have voiced concerns over alleged favoritism and inconsistent handling of talent.
Growing Discontent Over Squad Choices
Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath was particularly critical of the inclusion of young all-rounder Suryansh Shedge in the T20I squad for the tours of Ireland and England. Speaking on his YouTube channel, "Cric it with Badri," Badrinath suggested that Shedge's selection appeared to be influenced by captain Shreyas Iyer. "This looks like a Shreyas selection. Shreyas clearly has a say in selection, evidenced by this," Badrinath said. He pointed out that Shedge, who plays for Punjab Kings in the IPL and for Mumbai in domestic cricket, managed only eight runs and failed to pick up a single wicket in his two T20I appearances. Badrinath insisted that Shedge had not done enough in T20 cricket to warrant a place ahead of more experienced players.[yardbarker+4]
Badrinath also dismissed common excuses like "IPL hangover" or player fatigue for the team's poor showing. He stated that representing India is a privilege and players must be prepared to deliver regardless of their workload. "I won't accept excuses like IPL hangover and body tiredness. These are things those that work for daily wages can say. A high-level Indian professional cricketer can't say these," Badrinath explained. India suffered a 0-2 defeat against Ireland before being whitewashed 0-4 by England, raising significant questions about the team's overall strategy.[yardbarker+4]
Vihari, Jaffer, Srikkanth Weigh In
The criticism extends beyond a single player. Out-of-favor India batter Hanuma Vihari also joined the chorus, slamming head coach Gautam Gambhir for alleged favoritism in selections. Vihari, speaking on his YouTube channel after India's 4-0 loss to England, questioned the continued inclusion of all-rounders Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar despite their poor form. He also highlighted the constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, which he believes failed to instill confidence in players like Sanju Samson and the teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.[indianexpress]
Former India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Wasim Jaffer raised concerns about the squad chosen for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting July 23. Jaffer questioned the selection of pacers Ashok Sharma and Mayank Yadav. He specifically noted Mayank Yadav's recurring fitness issues and lack of consistent game time, making his selection a surprise despite his potential. Jaffer also pointed out the omission of high-performing IPL 2026 stars such as Rasikh Salam, who took 19 wickets in 12 matches, and SunRisers Hyderabad pacer Sakib Hussain, who claimed 15 wickets in 11 matches.[indianexpress+1]
Adding to the growing concern, former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth also blasted the selection decisions for the Zimbabwe series. Srikkanth expressed his bewilderment over the inclusion of Punjab Kings players Yash Thakur and Suryansh Shedge. He highlighted that Thakur played only one game in IPL 2026, conceding 55 runs in four overs. Srikkanth further questioned the exclusion of experienced players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rajat Patidar, and Krunal Pandya, who had helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru win a second consecutive IPL title. He also voiced his surprise at Rinku Singh's return to the squad for the Zimbabwe tour, especially after Rinku had struggled in the T20 World Cup earlier this year and was omitted from the England T20I series.[sportskeeda+2]
Samson's Omission Sparks Outcry
One of the most vocal criticisms has been directed at the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson from the squad for the Zimbabwe T20I series. Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa strongly condemned the decision, calling it "not right" and expressing disbelief. Samson was named the Player of the Tournament in India's victorious 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, where he averaged over 80 with a strike rate of almost 200 in five matches, including a hat-trick of half-centuries in the knockout stages. Uthappa stated that when he first saw the squad without Samson's name, he thought it was a "fan-created team."[sportskeeda+1]
Former India chief selector MSK Prasad echoed this sentiment, calling Samson's exclusion a "big mistake." Prasad highlighted Samson's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup, particularly in English conditions, where he excels on hard and bouncy wickets. He questioned why a player who delivered match-winning performances in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final of a World Cup would be dropped after just two or three low scores.[sportskeeda+2]
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif also criticized the team management's "confused" handling of both Sanju Samson and the young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the recent UK tour. Kaif took to social media, stating he had "never seen a more confused Indian cricket team management." He stressed that players like Samson, a World Cup winner, and Sooryavanshi, a generational talent, need confidence, not doubts, in their minds. Samson was initially played in Ireland, then dropped for Sooryavanshi in England after failing to reach double digits in three matches. He was later recalled for the fifth T20I against England, only to be excluded from the Zimbabwe tour squad, while Sooryavanshi was retained. This inconsistent approach has left many observers perplexed.[timesofindia+6]
Calls for Accountability and Clarity
The widespread criticism underscores a growing demand for greater transparency and consistency in India's T20I selection process. Critics argue that the current approach creates uncertainty for players and undermines team morale, especially after the team's recent dismal performances. The repeated chopping and changing, coupled with the perceived favoritism, are seen as detrimental to building a stable and confident squad.
While former chief selector MSK Prasad urged patience in judging head coach Gautam Gambhir's tenure, noting that key players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah were absent from the recent tours, he remained firm on Samson's mishandling. "Why the axe is always on Sanju? Dropping Sanju was a big mistake," Prasad told PTI. He also expressed concern over rushing 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into high-pressure international cricket without a gradual build-up.[timesofindia]
The string of losses against Ireland and England, coupled with the contentious squad announcements, has placed significant pressure on the Indian team management and captain Shreyas Iyer. As India prepares for the Zimbabwe series, the focus will remain not just on the team's performance, but also on whether the selectors can address the concerns raised by a growing number of former cricketers and bring stability to the T20I setup.[timesofindia]
