The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi:
Indian head coach and former cricketer Gautam Gambhir shared a cryptic message on social media, suggesting that the “truth and logic” surrounding a coach’s so-called “unlimited authority” would eventually become clear. His post came in response to a message shared by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor following their meeting in Nagpur, where the first T20I against New Zealand was played.
Taking to X, Tharoor posted a photograph with Gambhir and praised him, calling the former opener “the man with the hardest job in India after the Prime Minister’s.” He wrote that Gambhir is constantly second-guessed by millions but remains calm and undaunted, commending his determination and leadership while wishing him success in the series.
Responding to the post, Gambhir thanked Tharoor and wrote, “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!”
Gambhir’s remark has reignited discussions about the extent of power he holds within the Indian cricket setup. Since taking over as head coach in 2024, questions have frequently been raised about his influence on selection and team direction. On social media, some critics have accused him of favouring certain players, including Shubman Gill and pacer Harshit Rana, while allegedly sidelining others such as Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav across formats. His appointment of Morne Morkel and Ryan ten Doeschate—both previously part of IPL franchises he mentored—has also drawn scrutiny.
Although Gambhir did not name anyone, his line about being “pitted against my own” has been interpreted by some as a response to criticism from fans of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Sections of supporters have speculated about a rift between Gambhir and the two veterans, particularly amid discussions about phasing out star culture and grooming younger players ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Gambhir’s tenure as head coach has seen mixed results across formats. In T20Is, India has enjoyed notable success, including winning the Asia Cup and remaining unbeaten in series so far, making the team strong contenders for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting February 7.
In Test cricket, India secured a 2–2 series draw in England under Shubman Gill’s captaincy without senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin, and also registered home series wins against Bangladesh and West Indies. However, whitewash defeats at home to New Zealand in 2024—India’s first home Test series loss in 12 years—and against South Africa have attracted heavy criticism.
In the ODI format, Gambhir’s record has been inconsistent. While India won the ICC Champions Trophy last year under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the team has also suffered away series losses to Sri Lanka and Australia, as well as a recent home series defeat to New Zealand, marking the Kiwis’ first-ever ODI series win in India.
