Former India batter Robin Uthappa has openly criticised Team India’s batting strategy under Gautam Gambhir ahead of the third T20, saying excessive flexibility at the top is hurting the side in big chases. His remarks came after India collapsed to 162 all out while chasing 214 against South Africa in the second T20 at Mullanpur, losing the match by 51 runs and allowing the five-match series to level at 1-1.
Uthappa said the issue was not the early loss of wickets but the lack of role clarity once Shubman Gill got out. Speaking on JioHotstar, he questioned the decision to send Axar Patel at a stage that demanded aggressive intent. According to Uthappa, Axar needed to counterattack and ease pressure off Abhishek Sharma, but his slow 21-run knock failed to shift momentum.
He stressed that India have enough depth but are not using it effectively. Uthappa warned that expecting players to perform multiple roles within the same innings only creates confusion. He argued that international batting requires clear roles, especially during the powerplay and early overs of a steep chase.
Uthappa added that flexibility works only after a solid base is built. Without that foundation, he said, even the strongest batting line-up struggles. “India is missing the point here,” he concluded, calling for a more defined approach at the start of the innings.
