Should Gautam Gambhir Get More Time as India Test Coach?

Xtra Time Web Desk

Whatever may be happening in white-ball cricket, India’s recent performances in Test cricket have been a major disappointment. Consecutive series defeats at home have raised serious questions about Gautam Gambhir’s future as the head coach of the Test team. At the same time, another important question has emerged: should the coach alone be held responsible for India’s struggles?

Former India spinner Amit Mishra believes Gambhir should not be made the sole scapegoat for the team’s poor performances. According to Mishra, the relatively inexperienced players in the squad must also take responsibility. He also cited Rahul Dravid’s tenure as an example, pointing out that Dravid took around one-and-a-half years to build the team in his own way. Mishra feels Gambhir should also be given similar time and patience.

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has also backed Gambhir. He does not believe that the coach should be singled out for criticism. Harbhajan has praised Gambhir’s passion and his commitment to putting the team’s interests first. According to Bhajji, Gambhir’s straightforward approach and hard-line attitude may not appeal to everyone, but that does not necessarily mean it is bad for the team.

Sunil Gavaskar, however, has taken a tougher stance. The former India captain stressed that the team’s interests must always come before an individual’s reputation or position. Gavaskar believes India must produce a strong result in Sri Lanka, especially given the current situation.

And that could indeed be the key. If India struggle in Sri Lanka as well, questions over Gambhir’s team selection and tactics are likely to grow even louder. The pressure on the head coach will undoubtedly increase, making the upcoming series a crucial test of his tenure.