Indian politician Abhishek Singhvi criticized Team India's selection after the defeat to England in the second T20I. In a post on X, Singhvi questioned head coach Gautam Gambhir's continued backing of fast bowler Harshit Rana and called for greater accountability following another disappointing performance.
The second T20I of the five-match series was played at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday, July 4. Shreyas Iyer's side posted 190/7 after choosing to bat first. However, the Harry Brook-led team completed the chase with one over remaining to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing series amid Team India's poor run.
What Value Is Harshit Rana Bringing? - Abhishek Singhvi Questions Gautam Gambhir
Abhishek Singhvi questioned Team India's selections under head coach Gautam Gambhir after the defeat to England. He said that the management cannot rely only on reputation and asked why Harshit Rana continues to receive repeated opportunities despite limited returns.
"Under Gautam Gambhir, Indian cricket seems to be losing its direction as much as its matches. The defeat against England is another reminder that reputation alone cannot coach a team. And one question refuses to go away: what value is Harshit Rana bringing to the XI that justifies the repeated backing? Accountability cannot remain optional," Abhishek Singhvi wrote on X.
Harshit Rana bowled three overs in Manchester, conceded 30 runs, and claimed one wicket in the 18th over when England were already close to victory. India could consider bringing in Prince Yadav for the third T20I.
Under Gautam Gambhir, Indian cricket seems to be losing its direction as much as its matches. The defeat against England is another reminder that reputation alone cannot coach a team. And one question refuses to go away: what value is Harshit Rana bringing to the XI that…
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) July 5, 2026
Bowling Discipline Remains India's Biggest Concern
India's bowling struggled once again as the team failed to defend a competitive total. While the bowlers picked up early wickets, they lost control during the middle and death overs, allowing England to turn the match around.
Axar Patel was India's most economical bowler, while Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets despite conceding 40 runs. Ravi Bishnoi had a difficult outing, giving away 60 runs in four overs, including a costly 29-run 17th over that shifted the momentum in England's favour.
India have now conceded several expensive overs in recent T20Is. Arshdeep leaked 27 runs in the third over, while Bishnoi's costly over proved decisive as England completed the chase with one over remaining. Shreyas Iyer blamed costly bowling errors after England defeat.
Selection Calls Raise Fresh Questions Ahead of Third T20I
India's team selection has also come under scrutiny. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, and bowling coach Morne Morkel had all backed the existing top order before the match and said young players would have to wait for their opportunities.
However, India surprised everyone by dropping Sanju Samson and handing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his T20I debut. The decision appeared to contradict the coaching staff's earlier comments and raised fresh questions about the team's selection policy.
Sooryavanshi scored 14 on debut, while Abhishek Sharma made 43 and Ishan Kishan top-scored with 49 as India posted 190. The visitors must now improve both their selection clarity and bowling discipline before the third T20I if they hope to level the series.
