Gambhir Defends Dube’s No. 4 Promotion, Says Only Openers Are Permanent

Ranchi: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended Shivam Dube’s promotion to No. 4 despite the all-rounder’s failure in the second T20 International against the West Indies, insisting that flexibility in the batting order remains central to India’s approach.

Dube was sent in ahead of in-form skipper Shreyas Iyer after Ishan Kishan’s dismissal. He managed seven off 10 balls before falling to off-spinner Roston Chase. India still reached 249 for five thanks to late hitting from Iyer and Tilak Varma, but the West Indies chased it down in 18.3 overs to level the five-match series 1-1.

Only openers are permanent

Gambhir said the move was not a one-off, noting that Dube has been used this way for a long time, including during the World Cup. “Only the openers are permanent,” he said, adding that the rest of the order should stay flexible. He argued India had gained momentum from Dube’s aggression at No. 4, even if some was lost on the day.

Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 and Sherfane Rutherford’s 84 powered the chase. Mayank Yadav had rattled the visitors early, removing Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer off successive deliveries before bowling Rovman Powell with a 149 kmph delivery. Gambhir, however, cautioned against reading too much into early wickets, saying matches are decided over 40 overs.

No excuses for the defeat

Gambhir refused to blame the toss, the dew or Mayank’s dropped catch of Rutherford. “We could not defend 250,” he said, crediting the West Indies for their batting. Asked about flat pitches, he said India want an even contest between bat and ball, pointing out that the bowlers’ careers are at stake too. As world champions, he added, the team must keep improving.