Gambhir’s Struggles as Head Coach of India
Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has not started as expected. After succeeding Rahul Dravid, who guided India to the T20 World Cup victory, Gambhir’s coaching debut has been marked by a series of disappointments. The Indian team first lost 2-0 to Sri Lanka in the ODI series but managed to whitewash them in the three-match T20 series that followed. Despite this, the real test came when India faced New Zealand, and the team suffered a crushing defeat in the three-match Test series, marking their first home series loss since 2012.
Pressure Mounting on Gambhir
The loss to New Zealand has raised serious questions about Gambhir’s leadership, and according to reports, he could be removed from his position if the Indian team fails to perform in Australia. A source close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mentioned that Gambhir might be restricted to coaching only the white-ball formats if India’s performance Down Under doesn’t meet expectations. This change could lead to VVS Laxman, who has been a regular interim head coach, taking over the Test team.
Gambhir’s Support From the BCCI
Despite the disappointing results, Gambhir has had significant backing from the BCCI. He has received most of his requests for the coaching setup, including the appointment of staff and the selection of players for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This level of freedom is rare among Indian coaches, which has made the BCCI’s dissatisfaction with the results all the more evident. The expectations from Gambhir were high, given the autonomy granted to him, but the lack of on-field success has led to mounting pressure.
The Role of VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman, a stalwart of Indian cricket, has always been a key figure in the coaching structure. He has served as an interim head coach on several occasions and is currently with the team during their tour to South Africa. Laxman, who also heads the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has been instrumental in guiding the team to a 61-run victory against South Africa. His leadership and coaching skills have been highly praised, and it seems he is being prepared to take over if Gambhir’s tenure with the Test team does not improve.
Challenges Faced by Gambhir’s Coaching Style
Gambhir’s coaching style has come under scrutiny, particularly with the team’s inability to perform under pressure in longer formats like Tests. While his leadership in T20s may have had some success, the Test team’s dismal performance has overshadowed his tenure. Gambhir’s approach to team management and tactical decisions has often been questioned, leading to doubts over whether he is the right man for the role.
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Looking Ahead for Gambhir
With the upcoming series in Australia being a pivotal moment for his coaching career, Gambhir will need to find a way to get the Indian Test team back on track. If India fails to perform, it seems inevitable that Gambhir’s tenure as the head coach of the red-ball setup could come to an end. However, his future in coaching could still be secure if he shifts focus to the white-ball formats, where he has had more success, at least in terms of results.
