Gambhir’s Grit vs Team India’s Pulse: Is the Head Coach’s Style Clicking with Players?

Recall the time when Gautam Gambhir went to bat with his unmistakable scowl and determination oozing out of every shot. That same intensity that made him a difficult proposition for fast bowlers has been woven into the DNA of Gambhir as a coach. The only problem is that what happens in the middle doesn’t necessarily happen in the dressing room. As India finds itself down 1-2 in the Test Series against England, World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten posed a question: “Do the Indian players connect to the personality and style of Gambhir?”

A Gritty Coach in a Gentlemen’s Game

Gautam Gambhir’s style is well known — intense, direct, and fiercely genuine. Whether calling out rivals or backing his team (like KKR’s 2024 IPL win), he leads with raw passion. As a coach, he’s much like he was as a player: focused, process-driven, and brutally honest. In the IPL, it was excellent. KKR won their third championship while he was there, and India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy under him.

And now we come to the crux. A loud taskmaster will not work for every player, or at least, in this current environment, maybe some players would benefit more from a mentor rather than a taskmaster, especially those who played under Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin. And I wonder if Gambhir’s “hard how” might be too rude for a team like Test cricket, trying to find a new identity.

The Changing Dynamics of the Indian Dressing Room

Another aspect of concern Kirsten touched on is whether Gambhir receives sufficient support. The answer may not be simple. Today’s Indian Test side is not as experienced or battle-hardened as it was only a handful of years ago. With some experienced heads missing, there seems to be a leadership vacuum. Rohit, Kumar, and Ashwin hanging up their boots has taken a chunk of swagger away from the team.

With this in mind, Gambhir’s strategies may not be in accordance with players who are still finding their feet in red-ball cricket. For some younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, more supporting and engaging styles, stronger/closed coaching styles may possibly take a quadruple, or are limited to a certain level.

Also, Test cricket often relies on trust built over time between a player and a coach. In this regard, Rahul Dravid’s ability to fuse his calm, supportive nature stands out extremely well. Gambhir has not had the time necessary to build depth of trust with these players in this Test space, resulting in a team that appears more self-assured in ODIs and T20Is, whilst also appearing tentative and fractured in the longest format.

Is Gambhir’s Legacy on the Line in Manchester?

As India prepares for a potentially series-deciding fourth Test in Manchester, there are huge implications not just for the series but for Gambhir’s credibility as a Test coach. To lose a third straight Test series would raise serious questions as to whether Gambhir’s will work in all formats of the game.

That being said, it’s also on the players to adapt to Gambhir’s approach — and vice versa. Gambhir doesn’t come off as someone who’s going to soften, but some leaders — even the hardest—adapted. He’s also known to be fiercely loyal to his players, but if India is to begin thriving again in Test cricket, he might also have to find a balance between his toughness and compassionate play, as Kirsten was not-so-subtle in implying.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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