Gautam Gambhir blamed for fielding ‘incomplete’ Playing XI after India’s horror show against South Africa

The tenth edition of the tournament has also seen Kuldeep Yadav playing just the one match against Pakistan in Colombo. The hosts have decided to keep him on the bench, as Varun Chakaravarthy has been preferred over him.

However, former Pakistan opening batter Ahmed Shehzad isn't a fan of leaving Kuldeep on the bench. He categorically told Gambhir to get his act together and field the correct lineup, or else India could quickly find themselves out of the competition, despite being the favourites.

“After Varun Chakaravarthy got smacked, Shivam Dube had to be called into the attack. He bowled two dot balls, still the over went for 15. On Indian grounds, it is very hard to contain the batters. India's bowling attack is not complete; they still aren't playing Kuldeep Yadav. You need to bless Jasprit Bumrah; he single-handedly ensured that South Africa didn't go beyond 200,” Shehzad said on the ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show.

“Gautam Gambhir is the one who is doing all the planning. So I think they need to reconsider their strategy. India are one of the favourites for the World Cup, but if they continue to field this XI, it would be difficult for them to qualify for the semi-finals,” he added.

“It doesn't matter how big a team you are, you won't be able to get on the winning ways against the bigger teams unless and until you play the right combination,” said Amir.

Speaking of the match between India and South Africa, the latter batted first after winning the toss and posted 187/7 in 20 overs. David Miller top-scored with 63 while Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs chipped in with knocks of 45 and 44*.

Marco Jansen then took four wickets to bundle out India for 111, and the Proteas registered an emphatic win.

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