In the wake of India's heavy loss to South Africa in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has directed severe criticism at Indian coach Gautam Gambhir. Shehzad contends that Gambhir's involvement in politics has negatively impacted the environment of the Indian team, creating unnecessary pressure especially during crucial moments of the tournament. With India’s semifinal hopes hanging by a thread, Gambhir’s decisions, particularly regarding team selection, have come under intense scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.

One example that drew notable criticism was Gambhir's decision to replace Axar Patel with Washington Sundar in the playing XI for a key match, which was questioned by several players including Ravichandran Ashwin. Shehzad pointed out that such decisions reflect a mindset that has arguably changed due to Gambhir's political career as a Member of Parliament from East Delhi from 2019 to 2024. This political engagement, according to Shehzad, has shifted Gambhir's focus away from the core needs of the team on the cricket field.

The ongoing tensions and expectations surrounding the Indian team in the tournament have led to rising frustration among fans, who feel that the team's performance is being compromised by managerial decisions influenced by off-field politics. Shehzad's comments highlight the broader implications of political involvement in sports, suggesting that it can distract from the primary goal of achieving success in competitions like the T20 World Cup, and ultimately harm the team's chances.