Pakistani Experts Criticize Gill, Gambhir Tactics: 'Shan Masood Wali Captaincy'

Former Pakistani cricketers Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal have launched scathing criticism at Indian captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir following India's historic ODI series loss to New Zealand, with Basit notably comparing Gill's leadership to that of Pakistan's Shan Masood. Appearing on the show 'The Game Plan,' the duo dissected what they perceived as critical tactical errors that cost India the series, particularly focusing on bowling changes and batting order decisions.

Basit Ali was particularly blunt in his assessment: "Yeh to Shan Masood wali captaincy ki hai Gill ne (Gill has captained like Shan Masood)." He pointed to Gill's decision to bring on medium pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy before specialist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja as a major misstep. "If Kuldeep had got a wicket after getting hit for a couple of sixes, it would have been a victory for him. But he was taken off after just three overs and brought back when the partnership had crossed 150 runs. The captain doesn't seem to have confidence in Kuldeep and Jadeja," Basit argued. He even suggested it was the "last match" for Jadeja in ODIs.

Kamran Akmal echoed these concerns, emphasizing that a captain must control the game proactively. "When you have got early wickets, you need to bring your specialist bowlers in the attack. If they had got another wicket at that stage, New Zealand wouldn't have scored more than 225-250 runs," Akmal stated. He also questioned the logic behind Harshit Rana bowling his full quota of 10 overs while Kuldeep and Jadeja bowled only six each, contrasting this with New Zealand spinner Jayden Lennox who completed his 10 overs economically.

The criticism extended to Gambhir's batting order management. Basit questioned why Gambhir, known for favoring left-right combinations in T20s, didn't utilize Ravindra Jadeja earlier against left-arm spinner Lennox. "Jadeja should have been sent ahead of Reddy. You have one left-hander. Utilise him properly," he insisted. Both analysts agreed that India made a premature leadership change, with Akmal drawing parallels to Pakistan's experience with Babar Azam: "This is the same mistake that Pakistan made when they made Babar Azam the captain in 2018."

While these critiques from across the border reflect the intense scrutiny following India's unexpected defeat, they also highlight genuine tactical debates about captaincy inexperience, bowling strategies, and optimal batting orders that the Indian team management will need to address as they regroup from this historic setback.

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The famous 2001 Test win against Australia was all about the Dravid-Laxman partnership, as well as how Harbhajan Singh's final trap sent the famous Australian line-up on a 16-match losing streak Was. details the mood in the Australian camp and how their batting deteriorated under constant pressure from Harbhajan. The atmosphere was there, but from the moment I stepped into this country for the first time, it became clear to me that Indians respect him. Knew. Didn't worry Ng. Deep deep. It might have changed, but clearly it did not.

Which became the third team to win the Test after four matches. Had batted against.

Don't believe that he had Dravid LBW in the last over before lunch. He was completely terrified at the conclusion of this Test - a quip for which he somehow escaped scrutiny - I don't think he was particularly thinking about it (Ponting bowling), some LBW decisions. It's also the last day about the decision, but they should have included it because it was equally controversial,'' he wrote.

Gave consolation.

"But as soon as Harbhajan started swinging the ball in the Test, I was there immediately," Miley said.

Decided to go down while winging it. For helping me to solve my problems against f spinner. Will take turning wickets to get the score.

I made sure that when I was captain I was always there for the players who were struggling.

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And you have to remain fit in all three departments.

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