Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, finds himself back in familiar territory: Delhi, his hometown. As India and the West Indies clash in the second Test of the series, the spotlight is not only on the game but also on Gambhir's enduring spirit. While the world recognizes him as a fierce competitor and a no-nonsense decision-maker, beneath that exterior lies a quintessential Delhiite – direct, outspoken, and never one to mince words.
Throughout his career representing India, Gambhir, who will turn 44 on October 14, has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. Now, as he returns to the city where he grew up, he is celebrated by those closest to him. Despite mellowing with age, Gambhir's combative instincts remain close to the surface.
"I'm still aggressive, but there is one change now. Whenever I try to be – that first instinct is still pretty much there – but my first reaction is to take on the fight. But somewhere, with age, the first thing that comes to mind is 'Ghar pe bachhe hain' (There are kids at home)," Gambhir confessed on a recent episode of 'Home town Hero'.
Gambhir's history is filled with instances that showcase his fiery nature. From a heated exchange with Shahid Afridi to multiple altercations with Virat Kohli in the IPL, and even a shoulder push to Shane Watson, his career has been punctuated by conflict. Aakash Chopra, a former teammate, recounted an incident where Gambhir climbed onto a truck to confront the driver for making a wrong turn and being abusive.
Despite these instances, many believe Gambhir's aggression is often channeled towards protecting his team and advocating for what he believes is right. "Whether I've been aggressive on the cricket field, whether I've had confrontations with people, [it's] just because it was all in the best interest of the team," Gambhir explained. He emphasizes that team sports prioritize the collective over the individual.
However, Gambhir's confrontational approach has also drawn criticism. Dinesh Karthik, a former teammate, noted that while Gambhir is tactically astute, his man-management skills might need refinement, suggesting that the aggression suited for a captain might not always be effective as a coach. Some observers, like Manoj Tiwary, have gone further, alleging that Gambhir's appointment as head coach has led to unrest within the team and controversial decisions, such as the sidelining of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
In response to such criticism, Gambhir maintains that his priority is always the betterment of Indian cricket. He emphasizes honesty and strong principles, even when facing opposition. "Try and do things even if you think the whole world is against you. But your heart believes that you're doing the right thing for the best interest of the team," he asserted.
Gautam Gambhir's journey has been one of transformation. After retiring from cricket in 2018, he briefly entered politics, winning a seat in the Lok Sabha from East Delhi in 2019. However, he stepped down from his political duties in 2024 to focus on cricket. His return to the sport saw him mentor the Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, achieving success with the latter. In July 2024, he was appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.
As head coach, Gambhir faces a challenging road ahead, with the Test series against Bangladesh being his next assignment. Despite his relative inexperience in Test cricket coaching, many believe that his acumen and understanding of the game will serve him well.
Whether mentoring in the IPL or coaching the Indian national team, Gambhir's passion and commitment remain unwavering. While his aggressive nature might sometimes lead to controversy, it stems from a deep-seated desire to win and to protect his team. And though "ghar pe bachhe hain," the fire within Gautam Gambhir clearly continues to burn.
