Former India captain Kapil Dev has weighed in on the pressure facing Gautam Gambhir in his role as the men’s head coach, acknowledging the high expectations placed on him. However, Dev emphasized that while the coach has a significant influence, the ultimate responsibility for the team’s performance lies with the players on the field.
Gambhir’s tenure has faced intense scrutiny, particularly following a series of disappointing results. Under his guidance, India lost the only ODI series against Sri Lanka, suffered a whitewash at home to New Zealand, and failed to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2017, losing the series 3-1 in Australia.
“The expectations are high. Coaches are not on the field; it’s the captain and the team who take the field,” Kapil Dev told Gulf News. He further acknowledged that each coach brings their own approach to the job, and while Gambhir’s methods might not yet have delivered the desired results, it’s essential to give him time. “If he’s not doing well, people will raise their fingers,” Dev added.
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Gambhir’s approach, in contrast to his predecessors like Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, has been a subject of criticism. Reports have surfaced suggesting that his coaching style hasn’t been fully embraced by the team, particularly skipper Rohit Sharma, who has also faced significant criticism. Additionally, there have been rumours of friction between Gambhir and his assistant coaches, adding to the growing tension within the team.
However, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has dismissed these claims, stating, “There is no rift between the chairman of the selection committee (Ajit Agarkar) and the coach, nor between the captain and the coach. This is all rubbish being spread by a section of the media.”
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As Gambhir faces a critical period, his upcoming assignments are equally demanding, starting with a home white-ball series against England, followed by the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE. With increasing pressure on his shoulders, the success or failure of these campaigns could determine his future as head coach.
