Former Indian pacer Joginder Sharma has voiced his reservations about Gautam Gambhir‘s long-term prospects as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Despite Gambhir’s promising start, Sharma believed his tenure may not be sustainable.
Gautam Gambhir’s promising start
Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid as head coach, has had an impressive beginning to his coaching career with the Indian team. He led India to a 3-0 victory in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, raising expectations that he could take the team to new heights. His contract runs until the ODI World Cup 2027, giving him ample time to make a significant impact.
Joginder Sharma’s concerns
In an interview with YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra, Joginder expressed his doubts about Gambhir’s ability to manage the team over the long haul. He highlighted potential issues that could arise from Gambhir’s decision-making style. Joginder believed Gambhir’s strong-willed nature and unique decisions might lead to conflicts with players, making it challenging for him to maintain his role for an extended period.
“Gautam Gambhir team ko sambhalne waala hai lekin par mera ye manna hai ki Gautam Gambhir jyada lambe samay tak tik nahi payega” (Gautam Gambhir is the one to manage the team, but I believe that Gautam Gambhir will not be able to stay for a long time), Joginder said.
“Kyunki Gautam Gambhir ke apne hi kuch faisle hote hain. Ho sakta hai kisi player se man motaaw ho jaye. Mai Virat Kohli ki baat nahi kar raha hun. Gautam Gambhir ke faisle kai baar aise ho jaate hain ki dusro ko pasand nahi aate” (This is because Gautam Gambhir has his own decisions. It might happen that he has a disagreement with a player. I am not talking about Virat Kohli. Many times, Gautam Gambhir’s decisions are such that others do not like them), the 40-year-old added.
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Reasons that can cut short Gambhir’s career
Joginder further also commended Gambhir’s straightforward and honest approach, emphasizing that Gambhir focuses on his work sincerely and with great honesty rather than seeking approval or flattering others:
“Gautam Gambhir seedhi baat karne waala hai. Wo kisi ke paas jaane waala nahi hai. Gautam Gambhir chaplusi karne waala banda nahi hai. Usko credit dene waale hum log hain. Wo apna kaam karta hai, sacche dil se karta hai, badi imaandaari se karta hai” (Gautam Gambhir speaks directly. He is not someone who will go to anyone. Gautam Gambhir is not a person who flatters. We are the ones who give him credit. He does his work, does it sincerely, and does it with great honesty), Joginder concluded.