The Aryavarth Express
Dubai:
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the debate over split coaching roles in Indian cricket, urging patience with head coach Gautam Gambhir following India’s recent struggles in Test cricket.
India have endured a difficult run in the longest format over the past two years, suffering back-to-back home whitewashes. The team lost 0–3 to New Zealand in 2024 and was later defeated 0–2 by South Africa at home in 2025 under Gambhir’s tenure. The series loss to New Zealand also marked a major setback, ending India’s long-standing dominance in Test cricket built under leaders such as MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
The New Zealand defeat cost India a place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final, while the loss to South Africa has further complicated their chances of qualifying for the title clash, depending on future results.
However, India’s performance in white-ball cricket has been far more encouraging. Under Gambhir’s guidance, the Men in Blue went on to win the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, underlining their strength in limited-overs formats.
Speaking on the issue, Harbhajan highlighted the pressures that come with coaching the Indian team and cautioned against rushing to conclusions. He said the role demands constant travel, deep involvement in team selection and results, and sustained engagement throughout the year.
“It is not easy to become the coach of India. You have to travel with the team all year and stay fully involved. There are multiple team selections and constant focus on results. In India, when the team does well, everyone stays quiet, but when the team performs poorly, the coach is immediately targeted,” Harbhajan said.
Defending Gambhir, he added that criticism should be tempered with perspective. “Gautam Gambhir does not go there to play. When he was a player, he performed very well for India. Everyone needs to be patient,” he said.
On the suggestion of splitting coaching responsibilities between red-ball and white-ball formats, Harbhajan said such a move should not be rushed. “If in the future you feel the need to have separate coaches for white-ball and red-ball cricket, there is nothing wrong with that. But for now, there is no need to do it immediately. Over time, if required, it can definitely be considered,” he added.
