India, Nov. 20 -- Over a year into his tenure as the head coach for the Indian team, Gautam Gambhir hasn't seemed to settle on the right combination for the red-ball team he has inherited. There have certainly been retirements and injuries which have hampered his ability to play a full-strength team as India undergo a transition, but that hasn't shielded him from criticism for some of the tactical decisions on the pitch.

Most recently, this included the combination for the opening loss vs South Africa in Kolkata, as India opted for four spinners with Washington Sundar batting at number three ahead of a specialist batter. With Sai Sudharsan seemingly the choice for the role but dropped out of the blue despite improving performances in the...