Gautam Gambhir, who took over as head coach on July 10, 2024, after Rahul Dravid left after winning the T20 World Cup in June 2024, has been under more scrutiny as a result of India’s recent Test series losses.
Gambhir was appointed for a three-and-a-half-year tenure that is expected to extend till the South African ODI World Cup in 2027. In addition to losing white-ball series to England and Ireland, the side has suffered home whitewashes against South Africa and New Zealand.
Amit Mishra, a former India spinner, has provided insight on Gautam Gambhir’s first few months in the role by directly comparing it to that of his predecessor. Mishra stressed that coaches must modify in order to build authority and execute strategy across all formats.
“It’s difficult for the coach. I believe players should take greater responsibility. For years, the standard format has been one coach for all. Mishra told the Times of India, “You have to give time to any coach.” In Test matches, we have new players with limited experience. “It takes time for coaches and players to develop,” he explained.
Why Gautam Gambhir requires more time to become well known
Amit Mishra stated that Dravid, who followed Ravi Shastri in 2021, took a long time to deliver results. The former spinner described the time between appointment and performance improvement as a common part of the coaching transition process. He underlined that the current team consists of inexperienced Test players who require coaching in addition to their coach’s tactical expertise development.
“It took Rahul Dravid 1–1.5 years to establish himself. Then, performance improved. According to Amit Mishra, players must take responsibility and adapt to the wicket and situation, as they are chosen from a pool of 140-145 crore people. That is why you are playing at the top. “I don’t think the coach should be blamed,” he said.
Performance is a shared responsibility among players.
Amit Mishra spoke into detail about Gambhir’s unusual expectations throughout his early career, particularly in Test cricket when the squad composition changed. He highlighted that, while a coach’s role includes skill development and mental preparation, players on the pitch are ultimately accountable for execution.
The former spinner emphasised the need of managing pressure and adapting to changing conditions, citing his own experience. “Give him (Gambhir) time in red-ball.” He must explain to new players (on the squad). A coach’s goal is to help players improve their mental and physical abilities, but they must also participate.
In our time, players accomplished it,” Amit remarked. “You have to accept stress and comprehend.” You must spend time adapting to the circumstance, player, bowler, and wicket. Players must take greater responsibility. “A coach’s job is to guide and plan, but players must execute,” he explained.
To get to the 2025-2027 final, India must win seven of the remaining nine games in the current World Test Championship cycle. The team’s recent performance has put further pressure on the squad and coaching staff to defy the trend and demonstrate the progress Mishra said would come after Gambhir’s installation phase.
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