Following India's four-wicket defeat to England in the second T20I at Old Trafford, prominent politician Abhishek Singhvi launched a scathing attack on head coach Gautam Gambhir's selection policies. In a post on X, Singhvi questioned the continued backing of fast bowler Harshit Rana, who returned figures of 1-30 from three overs, with his sole wicket coming when the game was already beyond India's reach. "Under Gambhir, Indian cricket seems to be losing its direction as much as its matches," Singhvi wrote, adding that reputation alone cannot coach a team and demanding to know what value Rana brings to the XI that justifies repeated opportunities. The criticism comes amid India's broader bowling woes.

Arshdeep Singh leaked 40 runs despite three wickets, while Ravi Bishnoi conceded a staggering 60 runs in four overs, including a match-turning 29-run 17th over that swung momentum decisively toward England. Captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that costly free-hit overs "haunted" the side.

Selection contradictions also drew fire: despite coaching staff earlier backing the existing top order, India surprisingly dropped Sanju Samson to hand 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his debut, raising questions about clarity in team management. With England now leading the five-match series 1-0, India faces an uphill task in the third T20I at Trent Bridge, where bowling discipline and transparent selection will be crucial to level the series.