Flexibility. It’s probably the first word in Gautam Gambhir’s dictionary. Since taking over as India’s head coach, we’ve hardly seen the Men in Blue field the same playing XI for consecutive matches. He likes to chop and change lineups with little regard for players, who have to adjust to new roles.

While one can argue that the whole purpose of white-ball bilateral series is to prepare for ICC events, this practice has now crept into Test cricket as well. Since Gambhir took over as India’s head coach in July 2024, India has played back-to-back Test matches with the same XI just twice. His preference for all-rounders has seen specialists, both batters and bowlers, warm the bench often.

On the eve of the India vs South Africa 1st ODI, one wonders whether this musical chairs with lineups will continue in Ranchi as well. Due to injuries to Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, at least two changes were already expected. But certain players have been either dropped or rested as well.

No clarity over batting positions

But even that’s fine. Ravindra Jadeja comes in for Axar Patel. Nitish Kumar Reddy will return to the team after injury marred the Australia tour for him. These changes are expected. But one can’t be certain what Gambhir is cooking. We can assume Yashasvi Jaiswal will open with Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli will continue at three.

KL Rahul has confirmed that he’ll play at number six and that Rishabh Pant will be part of India’s Playing XI in Ranchi. This leaves two middle-order spots open, and that’s where the confusion arises. Some reports suggest that Ravindra Jadeja will take over Axar’s number five spot. Others suggest Ruturaj Gaikwad might be asked to bat at number four.

But the truth is no one can predict what Gambhir’s decided. Given his affinity for left-handed batters, who knows whether he plays Tilak Varma? Team India needs stopgap solutions. Jaiswal for Gill, Pant for Shreyas, and Jadeja for Axar.

However, an issue will be created if someone else plays there. What if Washington Sundar is promoted to four or five and asked to play as a frontline batter, only for him to be demoted again when Shreyas returns? The same goes for Nitish. While Gambhir has given them all chances, he’s not provided them any clarity.

By constantly changing their batting orders, these players will naturally have an identity crisis. In one match, Washington plays a hitter who’s a frontline bowler, and in another, he becomes a frontline batter. It’s best to play or build backups for these spots, so if and when the main players come, at least the other players know what their role is.