'We have always been flexible' - Gautam Gambhir's stunning take after Shivam Dube's dismal outing In 2nd T20I

India's second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi on October 9, 2026 ended in a loss as the visitors chased down 249 with six wickets in hand, levelling the five-match series at 1-1. The match saw India score 249-5, but West Indies completed their chase in 18.3 overs to register their highest successful T20I chase. The result raised questions about India's batting order decisions, particularly the promotion of Shivam Dube to the No. 4 position in place of Shreyas Iyer.

Dube's outing at the promoted slot proved unsuccessful. He scored just 7 runs off 10 balls before being dismissed by Roston Chase, who took 3-24 in the innings. At the post-match media interaction at JSCA Stadium, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the decision to promote Dube and explained the reasoning behind the move.

"We have used him like this for a long time, including during the World Cup and before it. It is not as though this was a one-off decision today," Gambhir said at the post-match media interaction at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi.

Dube's promotion and performance in Ranchi

The India head coach emphasised his approach to squad management and the need to adapt positions based on match situations and opposition bowling attacks. Gambhir has consistently maintained that flexibility in the middle order is essential to T20 success since taking charge of the team. However, sending Dube against Chase, who was getting success against the Indian left-handers, has drawn criticism.

"More importantly, I think we have always been flexible with our batting order, and we will continue to do that. I have always said since taking over that in T20 cricket, only the openers are permanent. The rest of the batting order should remain flexible," Gambhir added.

Gambhir also acknowledged the quality of West Indies' bowling performance. He credited all-rounder Roston Chase for an excellent display with the ball that contributed significantly to the visitors' successful chase. Despite the loss, the India head coach's comments indicated that the team would continue to experiment with batting positions as part of their T20I strategy moving forward.