Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has questioned India’s consistency under head coach Gautam Gambhir, pointing to frequent changes in the playing XI as a factor that could be affecting the team’s performances across formats.
Gambhir took charge in July 2024 and has overseen major successes, including India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2025 and their T20 World Cup victory in 2026. However, those achievements have come alongside disappointing results, particularly in Test cricket, where India have suffered home series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa.
India have also endured setbacks in limited-overs cricket, including a home ODI series defeat to New Zealand and losses against Australia and England over the past year. These contrasting results have raised questions about the team’s ability to maintain a consistent level of performance under Gambhir.
Watson believes the frequent changes to India’s playing XI have made it harder for the side to establish continuity. At the same time, the former Australia all-rounder acknowledged Gambhir’s willingness to back players through difficult periods, allowing them opportunities to prove their worth.
One example Watson highlighted was wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, whom Gambhir continued to back despite periods of uncertainty over his place in the team. Samson repaid that faith with decisive performances in the knockout stages of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“There are a lot of incredible things that Gambhir has brought to the Indian setup. There is no question about that. With the backing of players like Sanju Samson, Gambhir has done wonders for Samson,” Watson said, acknowledging the coach’s willingness to support players through difficult phases.
Watson believes India could become an even more formidable side if the management finds a better balance between experimentation and continuity. Frequent changes to batting positions and personnel, he argued, can leave players uncertain about their roles and make it difficult for the team to build consistent combinations.
India are currently playing a five-match T20I series against West Indies, before embarking on an extensive all-format tour of New Zealand featuring two Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is.
The upcoming assignments will offer Gambhir another opportunity to establish greater stability across formats. India’s recent white-ball titles underline the team’s potential, while their Test results and inconsistent performances in other series show the challenges that remain.
For Watson, the priority is clear: India need greater continuity in selection and roles if they are to translate their individual talent and trophy-winning success into sustained dominance across formats.
