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Xtra Time Web Desk: Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India's head coach has been off to a rocky start, marked by significant challenges and mounting scrutiny. Appointed in July after India’s T20 World Cup victory under Rahul Dravid, Gambhir faced the daunting task of maintaining the high standards set by his predecessor. However, the transition has been anything but smooth, with India suffering unexpected setbacks.

The first cracks appeared during the August ODI series against Sri Lanka, where India’s struggles with spin led to a 0-2 series loss. This initial stumble seemed a cautionary reminder about India's vulnerability on turning pitches. Yet, the lesson was reinforced harshly when New Zealand swept India 3-0 in a historic Test series on home soil, a result that not only dented India’s dominance at home but also jeopardized their World Test Championship hopes.

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Captain Rohit Sharma recently emphasized the importance of players adapting to the new coaching approach. He pointed out the adjustments needed after Dravid’s tenure, stressing the responsibility players bear to smoothen the transition. For Gambhir, managing established stars and fostering an environment conducive to success is a delicate balance, requiring both tactical adjustments and motivational finesse.

In his brief time as head coach, Gambhir has navigated a packed schedule—series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. However, the New Zealand series at the Wankhede Stadium left an indelible mark, as India endured a rare home series sweep, highlighting an unanticipated vulnerability.

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Gambhir now faces scrutiny not only for his tactical decisions, such as advocating for spin-friendly home pitches, but also for alleged favoritism toward players linked to his former IPL associations. His attendance at selection meetings, a privilege uncommon for his predecessors, has also drawn attention. Critics argue that despite his limited coaching background, his influence over team selection and strategy has been substantial and potentially divisive.

While the BCCI had initially considered VVS Laxman as Dravid’s successor, Gambhir’s mentorship experience with IPL teams seemed promising. However, the recent setbacks underline the challenges ahead, especially as the team prepares for the unforgiving pitches in Australia. For Gambhir, the coming months will be crucial to silencing doubters and delivering on the promise that accompanied his appointment.