Gautam Gambhir's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team is increasingly marked by challenges, with the latest controversies adding to the pressure. While Virat Kohli's form and commitment might be the least of his immediate concerns, a series of on and off-field issues are mounting, creating a complex environment for the coach to navigate.
One of the most pressing issues is the alleged rift within the team and coaching staff. Reports surfaced about Gambhir scolding bowling coach Morne Morkel for arriving late to a training session during India's tour of Australia. This incident reportedly left Morkel "reserved" for the remainder of the tour, highlighting Gambhir's strict approach to discipline. Furthermore, rumors of rifts between Gambhir and senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been circulating, though batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dismissed these claims, stating that the trio engages in constructive discussions.
Adding to the complexity, Manoj Tiwary, a former Indian cricketer, has accused Gambhir of influencing Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, in the decision to remove Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain. According to Tiwary, Gambhir "fired the gun from his shoulder," suggesting that the coach played a role in disrespecting Rohit, who had already retired from T20Is and Tests. While Agarkar is known for making independent decisions, Tiwary believes Gambhir's input was crucial in the decision-making process.
Gambhir's coaching style, characterized by his aggressive mindset and demand for high standards, has also come under scrutiny. While some, like his former teammate Virender Sehwag, believe that the challenges lie more with the players executing their roles, others are concerned about Gambhir's ability to manage his aggression and build camaraderie within the team. His lack of extensive coaching experience beyond mentorship roles in the IPL has also raised eyebrows, although his success with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants cannot be ignored.
Another significant challenge for Gambhir is India's performance in major tournaments. Despite a recent T20 World Cup victory, India has struggled to win other ICC events, including the World Test Championship. The pressure to maintain a high standard and deliver results in these events will undoubtedly weigh heavily on Gambhir.
Adding a diplomatic dimension to Gambhir's challenges are the strained relations between India and Bangladesh. The controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman's release from the Kolkata Knight Riders due to political tensions has led to calls for Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches to be moved out of India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the ICC to relocate their matches, citing security concerns. Moreover, an incident during the U-19 World Cup where the captains of India and Bangladesh did not shake hands further fueled the controversy.
Despite these challenges, Gambhir has received support from some quarters. Robin Uthappa defended Gambhir amidst criticism over a turning pitch in a Test match against South Africa, stating that "the coach is not playing out there". India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has also refuted rumors of rifts between Gambhir and senior players, emphasizing their professional approach and collaborative planning.
As Gambhir navigates these turbulent waters, his ability to manage player relationships, maintain discipline, and deliver results on the field will be crucial in determining the success of his tenure. While Virat Kohli continues to display strong form, as evidenced by his recent ODI century against New Zealand, Gambhir's focus must extend beyond individual performances to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the Indian cricket team.
