Gautam Gambhir has expressed that there is no necessity to include left-handed batsmen in India’s playing XI solely based on hand orientation. He highlighted that player selection should be grounded in their form and achievements rather than conforming to a left-right combination. The recent conversation about this combination arose when Ravi Shastri, the former India coach, suggested the inclusion of three left-handed batters in the team.
Gautam Gambhir has dismissed the ongoing discussion as ‘pointless,’ advocating that player selection for the playing XI should solely hinge on their performance and form, with no other considerations.
He pointed out that a player’s batting hand, whether right or left, shouldn’t dictate their ability to perform well in various conditions. Gambhir cited Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion from India’s plans for the Asia Cup 2023 and the World Cup as an example of left-handedness not being the sole criterion for selection.
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Ravi Shastri, on a Star Sports show, proposed including two left-handers in three specific positions, alongside Ishan Kishan. Gambhir, however, insisted that performance should dictate selection, referencing Tilak Varma’s potential inclusion if he proves himself through consistent performance.
Gambhir emphasized that the debate over left-handers versus right-handers holds no value, and quality is the true determinant. He emphasized that the focus should be on a player’s ability and performance against different bowlers and conditions, rather than their hand orientation.