'It was just too much': Sanjay Manjrekar tears into Gautam Gambhir's tactics
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir's tactical decisions following India's heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in their T20 World Cup match. The loss, India's worst in T20 World Cup history, leaves them on the brink of elimination and damages their net run rate as defending champions. Manjrekar particularly questioned the elevation of Washington Sundar to No. 5 over vice-captain Axar Patel, a move that sparked debate but was defended as tactical by the team management. He likened Sundar's role in the lineup to "Kailas Jeevan," an old multi-purpose remedy, suggesting Gambhir's decisions were overly reliant on a single player.
During his critique on CNN-News18's *Stump Mic*, Manjrekar highlighted how India's batting struggled against South Africa's slower deliveries, especially from Lungi Ngidi. He emphasized that the team's inability to handle pace changes and spinners was a critical issue, with captain Suryakumar Yadav leading the charge in struggling against slower balls. This weakness, coupled with poor performance under pressure, led to India's collapse during their chase of 188.
The defeat has pushed India into a must-win situation for their upcoming match against Zimbabwe. A comprehensive victory is not only necessary to keep their semi-final hopes alive but also to improve their net run rate. The outcome of this match will be crucial in determining whether India can recover from their dismal start and defend their T20 World Cup title. Manjrekar's critique underscores the need for a strategic overhaul as India aims to navigate this challenging phase in the tournament.
This development matters globally, particularly to cricket fans following the T20 World Cup, as it highlights the high stakes of competitive sports and the pressure on teams to perform under scrutiny. The controversy over Gambhir's tactics also raises questions about leadership and decision-making in high-pressure situations, making it a compelling story for sports enthusiasts worldwide.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026