Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has joined the chorus of criticism following India’s recent collapse at the Eden Gardens, questioning the team’s tactical shift under coach Gautam Gambhir. With India suffering their fourth Test defeat during Gambhir’s tenure—including a rare home series loss to New Zealand—Haddin pointed out the stark contrast in how the current side approaches batting compared to the era under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

Speaking on The Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, Brad Haddin noted that Kohli’s team prided itself on batting long and building intimidating totals, effectively squeezing opponents through scoreboard pressure. In contrast, he argued that the current Indian side is guilty of leaving too much to chance, making even average spinners look like match-winners.

“When Virat Kohli took over as captain back then, they batted long and put scoreboard pressure. They are leaving too much to chance. It brings ordinary spinners into the game,” Bard Haddin observed. His comments highlight India’s shortcomings on turning pitches—especially ironic given that Gambhir reportedly pushed for such surfaces.

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India’s approach backfired in Kolkata, where they fielded four spinners but still couldn’t force a result, undone by tactical missteps and a brittle batting order.

Haddin didn’t hold back in questioning this strategy: “You just have people who can throw the ball and the wicket will do the rest. I heard that Gambhir came out and said that we are happy with the surface we are playing on. This cost them against New Zealand as well.”

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Haddin’s critique underscores a more significant concern: India’s drift away from their traditional strength of occupying the crease and grinding down opposition attacks. “They have done it twice now under Gambhir. They play their best cricket when it’s not about turning wickets but building scoreboard pressure with their runs. They have taken their world-class batters out of the game,” Haddin concluded.

With the pressure mounting, Gambhir and the team management will need to rethink their Test strategy—especially with tougher tours and rising expectations looming.