Shubman Gill’s Stunning 154 Sparks Debate, But Is Team India’s Batting Order Turning Into A Puzzle?

India’s emphatic performance in the second ODI against Afghanistan may have ended with smiles, but it has also triggered a fresh debate over the team’s batting strategy. While Shubman Gill delivered a breathtaking 154 off 110 balls, former India batter Manoj Tiwary has raised serious concerns over the management’s decision-making.

The controversy began when Team India made a surprising tactical switch, promoting young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to partner veteran Rohit Sharma at the top, while Gill was pushed down to No. 3. The move, seen as an experiment under head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Shubman Gill, did not start as planned.

Jaiswal’s innings ended quickly as he was dismissed for just 4 runs, leaving many questioning whether the reshuffle was necessary. Although Rohit managed a steady 48, it was Gill’s explosive knock at No. 3 that stole the show and rescued India’s innings in style.

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However, for Manoj Tiwary, the bigger issue is not the result—but the message it sends.

Speaking about the decision, Tiwary pointed out that frequent changes in the batting order could create uncertainty among players. According to him, such experiments, especially close to major tournaments, can affect a batter’s confidence and clarity about their role in the squad.

“There seems to be a lack of clarity in the approach,” Tiwary observed, suggesting that the team management must define fixed roles to avoid confusion.

The debate now shifts to whether India should continue experimenting or settle into a stable batting lineup. With major ICC tournaments on the horizon, every move by Gambhir and Gill will be under the microscope.

For now, Gill’s heroics have masked the concerns—but the bigger question remains: Is Team India building flexibility, or creating unnecessary confusion?