Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes there could be differences between head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, suggesting that contrasting priorities may have contributed to India’s selection decisions during the recent T20I tour of the UK. India endured a disappointing campaign under captain Shreyas Iyer, losing the two-match series 2-0 to Ireland before being beaten 4-0 by England in the five-match T20I series. The performances have placed Gambhir under increasing scrutiny, while the handling of Sanju Samson and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also come under the spotlight. Sooryavanshi, who had impressed in the IPL, was tipped by many to make his international debut during the Ireland series. However, Samson retained his place in the XI. After Samson managed just three low scores, he was dropped in favour of the 15-year-old, who made his debut against England but failed to make an impact. Sooryavanshi was then left out for the fifth and final T20I, with Samson returning to the side. Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Karthik said the constant changes suggested there may be a disconnect between the team management and the selection committee. “A bit of friction between the chief selector and head coach. I feel Agarkar has long-term plans, and the current coach is saying, ‘You know, I want to win every game I play.’ Hence, the confusion we see unfolding before us. Is it ideal for the players? Definitely not,” Karthik said. He also pointed out that India’s immense squad depth only increases the pressure on players trying to cement their places. “I mean, if you are from India, imagine the bench strength you have? Everyone is thinking that if I have a couple of bad games, anyone can replace me. On top of that, this happens, it’s definitely a situation that India needs to be aware of and rectify as soon as possible,” he added. Karthik further suggested that Agarkar’s focus appears to be on developing the next generation, while Gambhir is naturally under pressure to deliver immediate results. “I think the chief selector Agarkar has an eye on the future, and he wants to see the group of players around. Meanwhile, Gambhir might be thinking, ‘I want to win every series because it’s my name on the line.’ So, maybe there’s a conflict; it looks like that,” Karthik said. “There’s one selector who wants to build the squad, and there’s another who is saying I want success because every series I play, my name is on the line along with the captain,” he added. Following the disappointing tour, the BCCI has confirmed that it will conduct a review of India’s poor T20I performances during the UK leg, with the team’s selections and overall results expected to come under close examination.
