Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, has been at the forefront of some bizarre statements over the years, some of which, as social media would say, have not aged well.
Gambhir’s short coaching tenure has been tumultuous thus far. Since taking over in July, he has overseen the two-format white-ball tour to Sri Lanka along with two home Test series, against Bangladesh and New Zealand. India lost their first ODI series to Sri Lanka in 27 years with him at the helm before suffering a historic whitewash – a never-seen-before phenomenon in Indian cricket – to the Black Caps last week.
Previously known for his bold commentary, Gambhir’s transition to coaching has been marked by reversals of his past opinions and outspoken views, leaving him open to accusations of inconsistency.
“I don’t know what Shastri has achieved in his career…”
In 2018, then-coach Ravi Shastri boldly declared that the Indian cricket team was the best travelling side of the past 15-20 years. His statement came after a series defeat in England, but Shastri maintained his position, emphasising that this Indian team was putting up a stronger fight in overseas Tests than the previous sides had managed.
Gambhir, an integral part of the side in the period Shastri mentioned, had lashed out at him, stating that his comments were childish and that he had no achievements in his playing career either.
“I feel like laughing. People who haven’t won anything give these kinds of statements and think the team they coach is the best. I don’t know what Shastri has achieved in his career apart from winning the Audi car during the World Championship in Australia. I don’t think he was a part of an overseas series win. If you haven’t won anything yourself, you end up giving this kind of statement.”
After the comments, India ended up winning two successive Test series in Australia, the second hailed as one of the best series wins ever, and were also leading 2-1 in England before the fifth match was postponed.
Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli have also been showered with tremendous praise for reviving Test cricket, and revolutionising the fast bowling and fitness cultures in India.
“Foreign coaches only come here, they make money and they vanish…”
Since Duncan Fletcher’s departure in 2014, India had three Indian head coaches before Gambhir took over. No overseas candidate featured in the support staff under Shastri, Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid either, with Gambhir lauding the move in 2022.
