Former great backs Gambhir’s ODI flexibility but warns against over-experimentation

Former South Africa great AB de Villiers has offered guarded support to India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s philosophy of using a flexible batting order in ODIs, noting that while the idea brings value, it must be handled with precision. Gambhir has frequently faced debate over his strategic calls especially in Tests, but his white-ball record, strengthened by past triumphs in the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup, continues to hold weight.

Speaking after India’s 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa, Gambhir reiterated that only the opening pair needs to be fixed, and teams should be open to adapting the rest of the batting lineup based on the situation.

“In one-day cricket, you should know the template you want to follow. Batting orders, except for the opening combination, are largely overrated,” Gambhir remarked.

De Villiers, reflecting on the comments in a video on his YouTube channel, said he supports the idea of a flexible lineup but warned against too much experimentation.

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“I agree with him to a point. I’ve always liked floating batting orders in ODIs, but there’s a fine line. You can’t tinker endlessly with players’ roles. Generally, you have three segments—your top three, the middle order from four to six, and the lower-order batters. Within that structure, you can be creative with matchups and left-right combinations,” he explained.

The former South African captain also praised India’s remarkable stability in T20 cricket, calling it especially impressive given the unpredictable nature of the format.

“To show such consistency in T20s is exceptional. It highlights the depth and strong cricketing system India currently enjoys,” he said.

India, after losing the Test series, responded strongly with a 2-1 win in the ODIs and have since carried that momentum into the T20Is, taking a 1-0 lead with a dominant performance in Cuttack.