In the wake of mounting scrutiny regarding India's coaching setup, particularly concerning performances in Test cricket, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to exercise patience with current head coach Gautam Gambhir. He also cautioned against hasty decisions regarding a split coaching model.
Gambhir, who assumed the role of head coach in July 2024, has faced criticism following India's underwhelming performance in red-ball cricket, including two home series whitewashes against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa in 2025. These losses have raised questions about Gambhir's credentials as a Test coach. Conversely, India has performed strongly in white-ball formats under Gambhir, securing victories in the ICC Champions Trophy and maintaining an impressive record in T20I series.
The contrasting results have fueled speculation and suggestions that India should adopt a split coaching approach, with separate coaches for red-ball and white-ball cricket. This proposition has reportedly irked Gambhir.
Harbhajan Singh, a former teammate of Gambhir, has weighed in on the debate, advising against a knee-jerk reaction. Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan emphasized the demanding nature of the India head coach role, highlighting the extensive travel, constant involvement in the game, and crucial responsibilities related to team selections and match results.
"It is not that easy to become a coach of India," Harbhajan stated. "To be a coach, you have to travel with the team for a whole year and keep yourself involved in the game. You have to be more engaged because there are multiple team selections, and you also need to focus on match results".
Harbhajan pointed out the tendency to quickly criticize the coach when the team underperforms, a common tradition in Indian cricket. He defended Gambhir, asserting that the former cricketer always played with distinction for India and deserves adequate time to prove his coaching capabilities. "Gautam Gambhir does not go there to play. When he was playing, he played well. He played very well for India. Everyone needs to be patient," Harbhajan said.
While not completely dismissing the idea of split coaching, Harbhajan suggested that it is not currently necessary. He believes the focus should be on the players taking responsibility, especially after losing Test series at home. However, he acknowledged that split coaching could be a viable option in the future if the need arises. "If you feel you need to split the coaching, such as adopting a policy of one white ball and one red ball, then there is no need to do so for now. But over time, if needed, you should definitely do it. There is nothing wrong with that," he added.
Harbhajan's comments come at a crucial juncture, with India set to participate in an eight-match white-ball series against New Zealand as preparation for the T20 World Cup. All eyes will be on Gambhir, particularly during the T20I series. The BCCI's next move remains to be seen, but Harbhajan's counsel underscores the importance of patience and stability in the team's leadership structure.
