Former India captain and ex-chief selector Kris Srikkanth unleashed a scathing attack on head coach Gautam Gambhir after India’s humiliating first-innings collapse in the Guwahati Test against South Africa. Dismissing Gambhir’s “trial and error” excuses, Srikkanth demanded accountability for dropping consistent all-rounder Axar Patel from the playing XI.

India were skittled for 201 after South Africa piled up 489 batting first, conceding a massive 288-run lead on what Kuldeep Yadav called a “complete road.” Srikkanth questioned the logic on his YouTube show Cheeky Cheeka: “Why isn’t Axar Patel playing? Was he unfit? He has been consistent at all levels. Why so much chopping and changing?”

“Every Alternate Match, Someone Debuts”

Srikkanth highlighted the chaos under Gambhir: “Every alternate match someone is making a debut. They can call it trial and error. Gautam Gambhir can say whatever he wants—I don’t care. I have been a former captain and a former chairman of selectors. I know what I’m talking about.​

He specifically slammed Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection over proven options like Sarfaraz Khan, calling Reddy “not some deadly batsman” and questioning his all-rounder credentials: “Does he have movement, pace? How is Nitish in ODI team also?”

Pitch Confusion and Pant’s Captaincy Call-Out

Srikkanth ridiculed India’s pitch assessment: Kuldeep claimed “nothing was happening,” yet five Indian wickets fell to Marco Jansen’s bouncers and edges to Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj went to slips.

He reserved sharp words for stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, who fell for 7 attempting a big slog against Jansen when India were 105/4: “They will say it’s his natural game, but he is the captain. Shouldn’t he see the match situation?”

Gambhir’s Test Tenure Under Fire

India’s 0-2 whitewash looms after the 30-run loss in Kolkata, marking Gambhir’s worst home Test record in decades. Srikkanth’s tirade echoes broader frustration over constant experimentation replacing settled selections.