Following a cryptic social media post regarding his authority as head coach, Gautam Gambhir has been advised to steer clear of social media and concentrate on the upcoming T20 World Cup. The advice comes amidst swirling speculation about his role within the Indian team and perceived rifts with senior players.

The controversy began after a tweet from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who met with Gambhir in Nagpur ahead of the first T20I against New Zealand. Tharoor lauded Gambhir, calling his job "the hardest job in India after the PM's!" and praised his leadership.

Gambhir responded to Tharoor's tweet with a somewhat ambiguous message, stating, "When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach's supposedly 'unlimited authority' will become clear. Till then I'm amused at being pitted against my own who are the very best!". This response ignited a flurry of debate and speculation online, with many interpreting it as a veiled reference to a lack of full control over team decisions or disagreements with the team selection committee. Some fans even speculated the remark was aimed at chairman Ajit Agarkar, though Gambhir did not explicitly name anyone.

Amidst this backdrop, veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has weighed in, urging Gambhir to minimize his social media activity and remain focused on the team's objectives. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Rahane stated, "My only response to this is that GG should probably stay away from social media. Probably not think too much about what people are saying about him or telling him". He emphasized the importance of concentrating on the T20 World Cup and not being distracted by external noise. "He should stay away from social media and focus on the team. That's my personal opinion. Let's just focus on the main thing: stay away from social media till the World Cup is over," Rahane added.

Rahane's advice underscores the pressure Gambhir faces as head coach, particularly with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. The head coach role is a "very responsible job" according to Rahane, who also suggested Gambhir focus on his responsibilities. Since Gambhir's appointment, the Indian team has seen changes across all formats.

BCCI officials have also commented on the situation, with Rajeev Shukla assuring that Gambhir remains in control and enjoys the support of the players. Shukla dismissed the social media chatter and affirmed Gambhir's position as coach.

The incident highlights the intense scrutiny and public interest surrounding the Indian cricket team and its leadership. Gambhir's initial tweet has opened a broader discussion about the dynamics between the coach, the team, and the selection committee. While Gambhir has not explicitly stated any issues, his comments have fueled speculation about potential disagreements or limitations on his authority.

As the T20 World Cup approaches, the focus will undoubtedly be on the team's performance and Gambhir's leadership. Whether he heeds the advice to stay off social media remains to be seen, but the message from Rahane is clear: prioritize the team and the upcoming tournament.