Currently, uncertainty prevails in India's white-ball strategy under head coach Gautam Gambhir. This unpredictability may ultimately pose challenges for Team India, as suggested by Gambhir's former teammate and the leading wicket-taker for India in the 2011 ODI World Cup, Zaheer Khan.

Throughout the T20I and ODI series against England, India has experimented with various opening partnerships and different players at the No. 3 position in nearly every match. The only consistent opening pair in the T20Is has been Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma; however, even this combination seems to be subject to change in the ODIs leading up to the Champions Trophy. When Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the batting alongside Rohit Sharma instead of Shubman Gill in the first ODI, it was initially thought to be a result of Virat Kohli's absence. However, Shreyas Iyer, a key performer in this format, clarified to the broadcasters that the decision to open with Jaiswal was premeditated, and he participated only due to Kohli's injury.

This raises the question of whether Gambhir intends to position Gill at No. 4 for the Champions Trophy. It is unlikely that Kohli would be relegated in the ODI lineup, and benching Shreyas Iyer, who boasts an average close to 50 in ODIs, seems improbable. Additionally, the decision to elevate Axar Patel to bat at No. 5 in both ODIs against England, ahead of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, adds to the intrigue.

Zaheer emphasized that while flexibility is acceptable, it must remain within certain parameters to avoid fostering "insecurity" among established team members.

Zaheer articulated that flexibility is essential in the current context. He noted that while the first two elements will remain constant, the others will allow for adaptability. However, certain guidelines must be adhered to within this framework of flexibility. Following specific protocols and ensuring effective communication is imperative, as this will facilitate smoother operations. Failing to do so may lead to insecurity, which could ultimately have negative repercussions. It is crucial to be ready to manage such circumstances, Zaheer explained to Cricbuzz when discussing the distinctions between the coaching styles of former coach Rahul Dravid and Gambhir.

‘Recency bias is very strong now’: Zaheer on the difference between Dravuid and Gambhir

The former India left-arm who replaced Gambhir as Lucknow Super Giants mentor after the latter moved to Kolkata Knight Riders and then to Team India, said the coach, captain, selectors and the players need to be on the same page for this approach to function smoothly and there needs to be crystal clear communication among all of them.

"That's why I said recency bias is something very strong right now. The situation has become dynamic if you have to compare Rahul Dravid's approach and Gautam Gambhir's approach. You can say it's good, bad or ugly, or you can say how do we adapt. Each individual is a part of this system, be it the senior management or the think tank, be it the players, be it the selectors. They will have to gauge it, and the entire system needs to be streamlined for the wheel to turn properly," he added.

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