Gautam Gambhir Wasn’t the First Choice for Coach, Just a ‘Compromise’: BCCI Official Reveals Shocking Detail
Gautam Gambhir’s Role as Head Coach Under Scrutiny Amid India’s Transition Challenges
As Indian cricket grapples with the waning form of captain Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli, the role of head coach Gautam Gambhir and his support staff in managing a transitioning team has come into the spotlight. The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a tough test for the team, which has struggled to find the right combination against a determined and aggressive Australian side. The decisive fifth and final Test, a must-win for India, is set to begin on Friday.
On-Field Struggles Reflecting Off-Field Tensions
The team’s inconsistent performance has led to murmurs of unrest in the dressing room. Reports suggest that Gambhir’s approach has created a disconnect with several players, resulting in strained communication compared to previous head coaches like Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid.
Although Rohit Sharma has stated that he addresses players individually regarding selection matters, some players feel a lack of clarity under Gambhir’s leadership. This issue is further compounded by Rohit’s poor form and Gambhir’s assertive approach, which hasn’t earned unanimous trust among the squad, particularly those neither veterans like Kohli nor newcomers like Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy.
BCCI Raises Concerns Over Gambhir’s Position
A senior BCCI official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that Gambhir’s position as head coach might not be secure if the team’s performance doesn’t improve in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Gambhir was reportedly not the board’s first choice for the role, with names like VVS Laxman and prominent overseas coaches being preferred initially.
The official also highlighted concerns about Gambhir’s experimentation with team selection, which has left some players feeling insecure. While certain gambles, such as Nitish Reddy’s inclusion, have paid off, the handling of established players like Shubman Gill has sparked debates.
Future of Leadership Under Review
The recent administrative changes in the BCCI, with Jay Shah transitioning to the ICC, have left a leadership void within the board. The decision regarding Gambhir’s role is expected to gain clarity once a new BCCI secretary is appointed after January 12. If India’s performance remains subpar during the Champions Trophy in February-March, there could be significant changes in the coaching setup.
Suggestions to Narrow Gambhir’s Role
There is growing support for limiting Gambhir’s role to coaching the T20 team, given his track record as a successful captain and mentor in the shortest format with franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow SuperGiants.
Critics have also questioned whether Gambhir has provided effective solutions to Kohli’s recurring issues with dismissals outside the off-stump. A former Indian cricketer with over 90 Test matches to his name believes Gambhir has the knowledge to address Kohli’s problem but hasn’t acted effectively on it.
Support Staff Under Scrutiny
The BCCI is also monitoring concerns about a key member of Gambhir’s support staff, who has reportedly been accompanied by a personal assistant at all venues. This individual’s presence in areas reserved for BCCI officials during matches, particularly in Australia, has drawn criticism.
As India heads into crucial matches, the team’s performance will determine whether Gambhir’s leadership can steer the side through its transition or if changes will be inevitable.
