T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Matchups can’t be the only strategy’ - Badrinath slams Gambhir over data-driven selections

Published - 25 Feb 2026, 18:13 IST | Updated - 25 Feb 2026, 18:21 IST

Former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath criticised head coach Gautam Gambhir for allegedly overemphasising match-ups in team selections during the T20 World Cup 2026. Gambhir and the coaching staff have faced heavy criticism for leaving all-rounder Axar Patel out of the playing XI for India’s opening Super Eight clash against South Africa.

With the Proteas fielding three left-handers in their top five, the team management opted for off-spinner Washington Sundar instead of Axar. However, the tactical move failed to deliver the desired results, as Sundar bowled just two overs without taking a wicket in India’s 76-run defeat.

"Seeing things like a batter has failed x number of times in y number of games is fine. But looking beyond these is what the coach should do at the highest level. To figure out if a player is in form and fit, even if numbers are against him, is why you are appointed as a coach. If it's just numbers, even an analyst for Rs. 50,000 will do that job. You can just keep an analyst as a coach if everything is just based on numbers,” said Badrinath on YouTube.

"You've been picked as a coach because you've played at the highest level, and to see the extra things and not just prioritising matchups. Matchups are only a form of information. It should only add to your strategy and not be your complete strategy. It will never work in sports,” he added.

India coach Gautam Gambhir goes through lot of lonely nights

Lakshmipathy Balaji echoed Badrinath’s sentiments, urging the team management to prioritise a player’s intangibles over rigid match-up strategies in team selection. He emphasised that experience and overall impact in pressure situations should weigh more heavily in decision-making. Axar has been one of India’s most consistent performers in T20Is over the past few years, offering valuable flexibility with both bat and ball.

"It should never be about matchups. It is about personality and character. There are only so many options in cricket. What's the big deal about a left-arm spinner bowling to a left-hander? Has he never bowled to a left-hander in his career? That way, the top order hasn't scored runs, yet you don't change them and show them enough confidence. Likewise, a bowler should be given that," said Balaji on YouTube.

"It's the bowlers that always suffer in these matchup theories. A batter never suffers even if he has a poor strike rate against a particular type of bowler. Matchups are definitely overrated, and Axar Patel has all the resources covered. He can bat at multiple positions. He's an exceptional fielder and a great thinker of the game, who can bowl at any stage of the game. Matchups should never be considered for such a value-add cricketer,” he added.