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Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach has come under intense scrutiny following a string of disappointing performances. India’s recent loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years, combined with their failure to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, has raised questions about his leadership. Adding fuel to the fire, former England spinner Monty Panesar has publicly questioned whether the Indian players take Gambhir’s guidance seriously.
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India’s Struggles Under Gambhir
India’s downward spiral began with an ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka after 27 years. This was followed by a humiliating 3-0 Test series whitewash at the hands of New Zealand at home, and a 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The back-to-back failures have cast a shadow over Gambhir’s coaching stint, with critics pointing to his lack of success in foreign conditions during his playing days as a potential hindrance.
Monty Panesar, known for his forthright views, did not hold back. He criticized Gambhir’s record in countries like Australia and England, questioning his ability to command respect as a coach. “He averages 23 in Australia and struggled in England. Players might find it hard to take his inputs seriously when his own track record in such conditions wasn’t exemplary,” Panesar said.
Also Check: Tensions Emerge Between Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar Over India’s Captaincy Future
BCCI Holds Review Meeting
In the aftermath of the Border-Gavaskar debacle, the BCCI convened a high-profile review meeting involving Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also come under fire for their lackluster performances in Australia, further compounding India’s woes.
During the meeting, questions were reportedly raised about Gambhir’s suitability as head coach. The transition from player to coach has seemingly not been smooth for him, with Panesar pointing out that some senior players might still see Gambhir as a former teammate rather than a figure of authority.
Calls to Appoint VVS Laxman
Amid the chaos, Panesar has suggested that India might benefit from appointing a coach like VVS Laxman, who boasts a stellar record in all conditions. “Laxman has been successful everywhere and naturally commands respect. Players are more likely to listen to someone like him, especially when it comes to handling challenging conditions,” Panesar explained.
He further proposed a dual coaching setup, with Gambhir focusing on white-ball cricket while someone like Laxman or another Indian legend takes charge of the Test side. “If Laxman tells a player not to play the ball on the up when it’s swinging, they’ll listen. But with Gambhir, I’m not sure the players are fully on board,” he concluded.
Also Check: Jasprit Bumrah’s Test Captaincy Hopes Dim Amid Injury Concerns; BCCI Eyes New Leadership Candidates
The Road Ahead for India
With crucial tournaments like the ODI World Cup and next year’s WTC cycle on the horizon, the BCCI faces a critical decision. Whether to persist with Gambhir or bring in a more seasoned figure like VVS Laxman could shape the future of Indian cricket. One thing is clear: the current trajectory demands immediate course correction.
