Former India spinner Amit Mishra has defended head coach Gautam Gambhir amid growing scrutiny over India’s recent struggles in Test cricket. Mishra believes coaches need sufficient time to build a successful team and feels the players must share responsibility for the team’s performances. India is currently in a difficult position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings and are preparing for a crucial two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
With valuable WTC points at stake, the series could have a major impact on India’s chances of reaching the final. Gambhir has faced increasing pressure following India’s disappointing white-ball results in Ireland and England, where the team managed only one victory in 10 matches. However, Mishra believes it would be unfair to place the blame entirely on the head coach.
“It is tough for the coach. I think players need to take more responsibility. One coach for all formats has been the norm for years. You have to give time to any coach,” Amit Mishra told The Times of India.
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The former Indian spinner pointed out that the Test side is currently going through a transition, with several inexperienced players being introduced into the team. He also highlighted Rahul Dravid’s early struggles as an example of why coaches need time to establish their methods.
“In Tests, we have new players with less experience. It takes time for coaches and players to develop. It took 1-1.5 years for Rahul Dravid to establish himself. Then performance improved,” Amit Mishra added.
Mishra also urged India’s players to take greater responsibility and adapt quickly to different playing conditions. He believes representing India comes with the responsibility of understanding pitches and adjusting according to match situations.
“You are selected from 140-145 crore people; you have to adapt according to the wicket and situation. That is why you are playing at the top. I don’t think any blame should be given to the coach,” he said.
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Mishra has a strong connection with Gambhir, having worked with him at Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023. He also played under Gambhir’s captaincy at Delhi Daredevils and shared the dressing room with him during their domestic careers.
India’s transition has been further complicated by injuries, with newcomers such as Gurnoor Brar, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi included in the Sri Lanka Test squad and yet to make their international debuts.
