Even Gautam Gambhir needs time to mature as a coach — and signs suggest he is doing just that. After India’s commanding Test performances in England, questions about his ability have begun to ease.
Earlier, when India lost a home series to New Zealand and then faltered against Australia in their own backyard, critics were quick to question his very existence as the Test team’s coach.
Carrying The Burden Of Expectation
Yes, India might have lifted the Champions Trophy, but that didn’t shield Gambhir from intense scrutiny over the team’s inconsistent red-ball record. He has had to bear the brunt of every poor outing in Test cricket. Gambhir knows he still has a point to prove, and with every passing day, he is quietly but steadily doing just that.
Even former chief selector Kiran More urged patience.
You have to give at least two to three years before judging the performance of a coach.
From Instinctive Aggression To Controlled Calm
Gambhir’s coaching journey has been no different from his playing days — intense, emotional, and uncompromising. His reputation precedes him: a cricketer who thrived in pressure situations, and now a leader who guided India to the Champions Trophy and revived his beloved Kolkata Knight Riders with another IPL title.
Yet, international coaching is a different beast. Winning trophies is one part of the challenge; sustaining success across formats, especially in Test cricket, remains the real measure.
That said, with his proven ability to shape teams into champions, it is hard to bet against him. For many, the prospect of Gambhir delivering more titles for India looks less like wishful thinking and more like the natural evolution of his coaching career.
Restraint In The Heat Of The Moment
Known for his instinctive aggression on and off the field, Gambhir has recently shown encouraging signs of growth. He is learning to channel his emotions better and control his reactions — something evident during the Delhi Premier League final on August 31. When fans tried to provoke him by chanting “RCB Zindabad,” Gambhir, in a rare display of composure, simply walked away without a word.
Yes, some juniors in the Indian dressing room may still find him intimidating and are yet to open up fully. But that will come with time. What matters is Gambhir’s intent — to build bridges and put the larger cause of Indian cricket ahead of everything else.
“Nothing Succeeds Like Success” – Malhotra
Former India cricketer and selector Ashok Malhotra believes Gambhir’s early results have already set the tone.
Nothing succeeds like success. If Gambhir can win a few more big series and tournaments, he is going to be there till the next World Cup for sure.
He added that India’s commendable performance in England during the Test series has further strengthened Gambhir’s position. From here, Malhotra feels, there shouldn’t be any looking back.
