'He Has No Work in Sri Lanka Series': Kris Srikkanth Questions Gautam Gambhir Following Padikkal's Heroics

Former India captain and 1983 World Cup winner Srikkanth have made a blunt remark on head coach Gautam Gambhir amid the Sri lanka tour, claiming the former opener "has no work" during the ongoing tour due to the stark contrast in quality between the two sides.

Stepping in at the crucial number three position, Padikkal has made a massive statement, giving the Indian team management a welcome headache regarding team selection.

Gautam Gambhir at ire of Srikkanth

The core of Srikkanth's criticism stems from Gambhir's earlier comments regarding the team's batting order. Before the tour began, the head coach had publicly backed Sai Sudharsan as India's long-term prospect for the coveted number three spot. However, with Sudharsan currently sidelined due to injury, Padikkal has seized his opportunity with both hands.

After striking a masterful 167 to help India win the first Test in Galle by 165 runs, Padikkal carried his red-hot form into the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. On Day 1, the Karnataka batter compiled another gritty century, scoring 117 runs off 193 deliveries anchoring the innings to guide India to 300 for 5 at stumps.
Speaking to Sportskeeda ahead of the second Test's proceedings, Srikkanth questioned how the management could possibly drop Padikkal after such match-winning contributions.

"Gambhir has no work. How can you replace Padikkal going forward with the 200-plus runs he has scored in the first Test?" Srikkanth stated emphatically.

"Gambhir just says something, and anyway he has no work in the Sri Lankan series because Sri Lanka is a bad side and India will surely win. He'll jump after winning against sides like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan".

While Srikkanth's assessment of Gambhir's coaching impact against lower-ranked opposition was harsh, he did offer a slightly balanced view of the head coach's overall cricketing acumen. The former chief selector clarified that his critique was aimed at the coach's communication and public statements rather than his knowledge of the sport.

"I am not trying to be harsh on Gambhir. He was a good player and is a good reader of the game. But he can be a bit more communicative. He was very effective as a player, though," the former India player added.

With a 1-0 series lead already secured, Gambhir and his men will look to capitalize on Padikkal's heroics and push for a comprehensive series sweep against the hosts.