New Delhi, November 4: Gautam Gambhir’s start as Head Coach of the Indian cricket team has been far from encouraging, as India’s recent performances have drawn criticism and raised questions. Despite riding high after a T20 World Cup victory, Team India has faced a string of disappointing results under Gambhir’s guidance, including a series loss to Sri Lanka in ODIs and a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand in a home Test series. With the World Test Championship (WTC) Final slipping further out of reach, critics are beginning to point fingers at Gambhir’s coaching approach.
Upon his appointment, Gambhir was granted significant authority by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)—a level of control not seen by former coaches such as Ravi Shastri or Rahul Dravid. Unlike his predecessors, Gambhir was given complete freedom in the selection of support staff and allowed to attend selection meetings, providing input on team composition. The recent squad for the upcoming Australia series, for instance, was shaped largely by Gambhir’s recommendations.
However, the BCCI is reportedly concerned about certain decisions Gambhir has made, which some within the management believe may have backfired. His tactics during the New Zealand Test series, such as sending Mohammed Siraj in as a night-watchman and assigning Sarfaraz Khan to bat at number eight, were heavily scrutinized. These moves did not yield the desired results, sparking further debate over Gambhir’s approach.
Sources within the BCCI indicated that while the board’s regulations do not traditionally allow a coach to be directly involved in team selection, Gambhir was given an exception. Gambhir has also reportedly advocated for the inclusion of Harshit Rana and Nithish Reddy in the squad for the Australia series. Given India’s tenuous position in the WTC standings, the series against Australia is crucial; further defeats would make it increasingly difficult for India to reach the WTC Final.
If the poor form continues through the Australia tour, there are speculations that the BCCI may reassess Gambhir’s powers, potentially limiting his influence over team selection and strategic decisions.
.jpeg)
