Indian politician Abhishek Singhvi criticized the selection of Team India after the defeat against England in the second T20 match. In a post on X, Singhvi questioned head coach Gautam Gambhir’s continued support of fast bowler Harshit Rana and demanded more accountability after another disappointing performance.
The second T20 match of the five-match series was played on Saturday, July 4 at Old Trafford, Manchester. Shreyas Iyer’s team scored 190/7 after batting first. However, amidst the poor performance of Team India, the team led by Harry Brook completed the chase with one over to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing series.
What value is Harshit Rana bringing? -Abhishek Singhvi questions Gautam Gambhir
Abhishek Singhvi questioned the selection of Team India under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir after the loss to England. He said the management cannot rely on reputation alone and asked why Harshit Rana was getting opportunities again and again despite limited returns.
“Under Gautam Gambhir, Indian cricket seems to be losing its matches as well as its direction. The defeat against England is another reminder that reputation alone cannot coach a team. And one question refuses to go away: What value is Harshit Rana bringing to the XI that justifies repeated support? Accountability cannot remain optional,” Abhishek Singhvi wrote on X.
Harshit Rana bowled three overs in Manchester, conceding 30 runs and taking a wicket in the 18th over when England were already close to victory. India may consider bringing Prince Yadav for the third T20 match.
Under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, Indian cricket seems to be losing its direction along with its matches. The defeat against England was another reminder that reputation alone cannot coach a team. And one question refuses to go away: what value does Harshit Rana bring to the XI…
– Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) July 5, 2026
Bowling discipline remains India’s biggest concern
India’s bowling once again struggled as the team failed to defend a competitive score. While the bowlers took early wickets, they lost control during the middle and death overs, allowing England to turn the match.
Axar Patel was India’s most economical bowler, while Arshdeep Singh took three wickets despite conceding 40 runs. Ravi Bishnoi had a tough performance, conceding 60 runs in four overs, including a costly 29-run 17th over that shifted the momentum in England’s favour.
India has given many expensive overs in recent T20 matches. Arshdeep conceded 27 runs in the third over, while Bishnoi’s costly over proved decisive as England completed the chase with an over to spare. Shreyas Iyer blamed costly bowling errors after England’s defeat.
Selection call before the third T20I has raised new questions
India’s team selection has also come under scrutiny. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and bowling coach Morne Morkel had backed the current top order before the match and said that the young players will have to wait for their chances.
However, India surprised everyone by dropping Sanju Samson and handing his T20I debut to Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The decision appeared to contradict previous comments from the coaching staff and raised new questions about the team’s selection policy.
Suryavanshi scored 14 runs in the first match, while Abhishek Sharma scored 43 and Ishan Kishan scored 49 runs, helping India score 190 runs. If the visitors hope to level the series, they will now need to improve both their selection clarity and bowling discipline ahead of the third T20I.
