Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of India’s second T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against Zimbabwe. Manjrekar said that Gambhir was relying too much on Washington Sundar, adding that the all-rounder has become the solution to every problem.
India will face Zimbabwe on February 26 in Chennai. They are under pressure after their 76-run defeat to South Africa in the opening match of the Super 8. The defeat has jeopardized their semi-final chances and sparked reactions over the team selection, including Sundar replacing Akshar in the playing eleven.
Sanjay Manjrekar questions Gautam Gambhir’s excessive dependence on Washington Sundar
In an interview given to Cricket Next, Sanjay Manjrekar raised questions on Gautam Gambhir’s excessive dependence on Washington Sundar. Manjrekar compared Sundar’s role to an old all-purpose medicine and said that he is being considered as the solution to every problem.
“Kailash Jeevan, there used to be a medicine by this name at that time. If you had a headache, you took it. If you had a stomach ache, you took it. It was an all-in-one solution. It seems even Gautam Gambhir has an all-in-one solution for everything, Washington SundarManjrekar said.
He further added, “If there is a batting problem, Washi is the answer. If there is a bowling problem, he is the answer. He was promoted to number six or seven in the order today and that was too much.”
Suryakumar Yadav is struggling the most against slow balls – Sanjay Manjrekar
India’s problems with slower balls were clearly highlighted in the defeat to South Africa, where the pace variation caused major problems for their batting line-up. South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi used the change of pace effectively, preventing the Indian batsmen from settling.
Sanjay Manjrekar said that the team should focus on dealing with slow balls and spin. He said that captain Suryakumar Yadav has had to struggle the most against these balls. After the heavy defeat, India’s net run rate has been affected and it needs immediate improvement.
“Forget fast bowling – focus on playing the slower balls. They are not able to handle the slower balls or the spinners. The captain is struggling the most against the slower balls,” Manjrekar said.
Akshar Patel beats Washington Sundar as debate over selection increases
After Axar Patel played in the first three matches of the tournament, Washington Sundar played in India’s last two matches. Axar has taken six wickets in his three matches, while Sundar is yet to take a single wicket in his two matches so far.
Sundar has been in and out of the team, while Axar has been a regularly selected player in this format over the last few years. Sundar has taken 51 wickets in 60 T20Is at an average of 23.80 and an economy of 6.98. With the bat, he has scored 265 runs at an average of 16.56 and strike rate of 132.50.
Akshar has taken 92 wickets in 90 T20Is at an average of 21.15 and an economy rate of 7.29. The left-arm spinner has scored 700 runs in T20Is at an average of 18.42 and a strike rate of 134.09. Both the players have scored one half-century each in T20I cricket.
Also read: Sanju Samson included in India’s final eleven for Zimbabwe match, Rinku Singh retained