Ajinkya Rahane calls out Gautam Gambhir as India’s ODI woes deepen after New Zealand loss

Ajinkya Rahane on India’s recent ODI woes. [Source - @varungiri0/x]

India’s shock ODI series loss to New Zealand at home has triggered serious debate about the team’s direction. Despite missing senior stars, New Zealand still outplayed India, forcing experts and fans to question whether the current leadership is managing the format correctly.

India began the ODI series on a high note, clinching a win in the first match at Vadodara. However, New Zealand bounced back with determination, winning the next two games in Rajkot and Vadodara, sealing their first-ever ODI series victory on Indian soil.

Former Indian Test captain Ajinkya Rahane has now stepped into the conversation with a clear and direct evaluation. Rather than focusing only on results, Ajinkya Rahane has highlighted deeper structural issues that he believes are hurting India’s ODI performances under Gautam Gambhir.

Rahane sheds light on too many changes and lack of security in India’s current ODI side

Speaking to Cricbuzz Ajinkya Rahane believes India’s ODI struggles starts from constant chopping and changing. Players are being rotated without long-term clarity, making it difficult for them to settle into defined roles.

“Too many changes. You are looking at the upcoming World Cup, where players actually need that security, that clarity from management. If you are going to play certain players in that format, it is always about clarity,” Rahane said.

When players are unsure about their place, performances tend to suffer. Rahane stresses that management must clearly communicate who they are backing and why. Without that sense of security, building a settled core for the World Cup becomes extremely difficult.

Tough questions are fair on Gambhir’s ODI handling

India’s recent ODI record has made scrutiny unavoidable. Losing five of the last nine matches reflects inconsistency, especially at home. Rahane feels these results naturally invite questions about planning, selection, and whether the team is moving in the right direction.

“Tough questions will be asked, which is very natural. Especially in India, playing against New Zealand. But expectations were there that we all thought India would win easily. probably 3-0,” Rahane added.

Under Gambhir, India have lost ODI series to Sri Lanka, Australia, and now New Zealand at home. For fans who invest emotionally in Indian cricket, Rahane believes it is fair to question continuity, decision-making, and whether the leadership has a clear roadmap.

Rahane’s criticism hits the right note

Rahane’s assessment and his criticism are not reactionary but rooted in experience. ODIs demand patience, planning, and trust, qualities that appear missing in India’s recent approach to the format.

The long gap before India’s next ODI series could be a blessing. It gives the management time to pause, reflect, and identify a stable group of players who can be backed consistently without fear of constant changes.

Rahane’s message is simple yet powerful about finding the right players, defining their roles, and supporting them fully. Having said that, India has a significant amount of time to rebuild confidence and regain control in ODIs before the next World Cup cycle truly begins.