India’s former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik I believe there could be differences between the coaches Gautam Gambhir and the chief selector Ajit Agarkarsuggest that contrasting priorities may have contributed to India’s selection decisions during the recent T20I tour of the United Kingdom. India endured a disappointing campaign under the captaincy Shreyas Iyerlosing the two-match series 2-0 to Ireland before being beaten 4-0 by England in the five-match T20I series. The performances have put Gambhir under increasing scrutiny, while the management of Saint Samson and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also been under the spotlight. Sooryavanshi, who had impressed in the IPL, was tipped by many to make his international debut during the Ireland series. However, Samson retained his place in the XI. After Samson managed just three low scores, he was dropped in favor of the 15-year-old, who made his debut against England but failed to make an impact. Sooryavanshi was then dropped for the fifth and final T20I, with Samson returning to the side. Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Karthik said the constant changes suggest there may be a disconnect between the team management and the selection committee. “A bit of friction between the chief selector and the head coach. I feel that Agarkar has long-term plans, and the current coach is saying, ‘You know, I want to win every game I play’. Hence, the confusion that we see unfolding in front of us. Is it ideal for the players? Of course not,” Karthik said. He also said that the immense depth of India’s squad only increases the pressure on the players who are trying to cement their places. “I mean, if you’re from India, imagine the strength of the bench you have? Everyone thinks if I have a couple of bad games, somebody can replace me. Moreover, this is happening, it is definitely a situation that India needs to be aware of and rectify as soon as possible,” he added. Karthik also suggested that Agarkar’s focus seems to be on developing the next generation, while Gambhir is naturally under pressure to deliver immediate results. “I think chief selector Agarkar has an eye on the future, and he wants to see the group of players around. Meanwhile, Gambhir might be thinking, ‘I want to win every series because it’s my name on the line.’ So, maybe there is a conflict; it seems so,” said Karthik. “There is a selector who wants to build the team, and there is another who says that I want to succeed because every series that I play, my name is in line with the captain,” he added. Following the disappointing tour, the BCCI has confirmed that it will conduct a review of India’s poor T20I performances during the UK leg, with team selections and overall results expected to be closely scrutinised.