Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach, is someone who fights fire with fire. But it’s no surprise that the pressure is firmly on the former India opener ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. India’s backs are stacked against the wall, and the team must win seven out of their remaining nine matches to have a shot at qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Two whitewashes in home series against New Zealand and South Africa have put a target on his back, and the recent losses in white-ball series against England and Ireland haven’t helped his case.
However, Amit Mishra, the former Indian spinner, wants Gambhir to be given more time, saying that the coach cannot do everything and players need to take responsibility. He further added that India has some new players in the Test lineup, and hence, the need of the hour is to give Gambhir some more time.
Mishra also cited the example of Rahul Dravid, saying even the legendary batter took one year to establish himself as the head coach. It is worth mentioning that Gambhir took over as coach from Dravid in July 2024, following the Men’s T20 World Cup win.
“It’s tough for the coach. I think players need to take more responsibility. One coach for all format has been the norm for years. You have to give time to any coach. In Test matches, we have new players with less experience. It takes time for coaches and players to develop,” Amit Mishra told the Times of India.
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“It took 1-1.5 years for Rahul Dravid to establish himself. Then performance improved. Players need to take responsibility and understand the wicket’s behaviour. You are selected from 140-145 crore people; you have to adapt according to the wicket and situation. That’s why you’re playing at the top. I don’t think any blame should be given to the coach,” he continued.
‘Give time’
Mishra then said that the former India opening batter needs to be given time in Test cricket, as the coach can only offer guidance, and ultimately, the job of execution depends on the players.
“Give him (Gambhir) time in red-ball. He needs to explain to new players (in the squad). A coach’s job is to work on mental aspects and skills, but players have to play. In our time, players did it. You have to take stress, understand. You have to spend time and adapt according to the situation, player, bowler, and wicket. Players need to take more responsibility. A coach’s job is to guide, plan, but players have to execute.”
Under Gambhir, India failed to reach the WTC final in the previous cycle and the same result is on the cards in the 2025-27 cycle as well unless India get the desired wins against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia.