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Time for a shake-up? The selection calls facing Gambhir after Auckland defeat

Gautam Gambhir has so far backed the players he believes can deliver for India in T20Is. But the 87-run defeat in the fourth T20I at Auckland could force the head coach into tactical changes for the fifth and final match…

Times Of India

Published: Sunday, 1 November 2026 at 3:10 AM

Key Things to Know

Head coach Gautam Gambhir faces selection dilemmas for India's final T20I following an 87-run defeat to New Zealand.
Questions surround opener Sanju Samson and captain Shreyas Iyer after modest batting returns during the series.
Calls have grown for the return of 15-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to India's playing XI.

The Story in 60 Seconds

India head coach Gautam Gambhir faces several key selection dilemmas ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand in Hamilton following an 87-run defeat in Auckland. Although India hold an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, scrutiny has mounted over the recent form of opener Sanju Samson and captain Shreyas Iyer.

Changes could also target the bowling department, where Axar Patel and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have struggled with high economy rates. The article highlights potential recalls for 15-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi alongside specialist spinners Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy to counter in-form New Zealand batsman Glenn Phillips.

Read the full article on Times Of India

Time for a shake-up? The selection calls facing Gambhir after Auckland defeat

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