Gautam Gambhir lent support, players urged ‘to take responsibility’: ‘Took 1 year for Dravid to establish himself’
Gautam Gambhir Lent Support Players: Dravid Comparison Reveals Timeline
Bharatmorningnews.com – Gautam Gambhir lent support players urged to take greater responsibility as India navigates a challenging period in their cricketing journey. With the highly anticipated two-Test series against Sri Lanka on the horizon, the former Indian opener-turned-coach is facing intense scrutiny from fans and media alike. Known for his fearless batting style and tactical acumen, Gambhir now shoulders the weight of expectations as India’s head coach. The team must secure seven wins from their remaining nine matches to book their spot in the World Test Championship final, making every game crucial for their campaign.
The pressure on Gambhir has intensified following a series of disappointing results. Consecutive home series losses against New Zealand and South Africa in Test cricket, combined with white-ball defeats to England and Ireland, have placed the spotlight firmly on the coaching setup. However, former Indian spinner Amit Mishra has come forward to advocate for patience, suggesting that the cricket board should allow Gambhir sufficient time to implement his vision and strategies effectively.
Player Responsibility Takes Center Stage
Mishra highlighted a critical aspect of team dynamics, emphasizing that while coaches provide the framework and direction, the actual execution on the field depends entirely on the players. He pointed out that India’s current Test squad includes several relatively inexperienced players who are still adapting to international cricket. This lack of experience means that both the coaching staff and the players need additional time to gel together and develop cohesive strategies for different match situations.
“It’s tough for the coach. I think players need to take more responsibility. One coach for all format has been the norm for years. You have to give time to any coach. In Test matches, we have new players with less experience. It takes time for coaches and players to develop,” Amit Mishra told the Times of India.
The former India opener drew compelling parallels between Gambhir’s current situation and Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach. Dravid, who took over the coaching reins before the 2021-22 season, required approximately one to one-and-a-half years to fully establish his methods and see significant improvements in team performance. Gambhir assumed the coaching position from Dravid in July 2024, right after India’s remarkable T20 World Cup victory, giving him less time than Dravid had initially.
Setting Realistic Expectations
“It took 1-1.5 years for Rahul Dravid to establish himself. Then performance improved. Players need to take responsibility and understand the wicket’s behaviour. You are selected from 140-145 crore people; you have to adapt according to the wicket and situation. That’s why you’re playing at the top. I don’t think any blame should be given to the coach,” he continued.
Mishra further elaborated on the multifaceted role of a cricket coach, explaining that while coaches focus heavily on mental preparation, technical skills, and strategic planning, the ultimate responsibility of converting these elements into match-winning performances lies with the players. He stressed that adapting to different playing conditions, varying opponents, and diverse pitch characteristics requires substantial time and collective effort from the entire squad.
“Give him (Gambhir) time in red-ball. He needs to explain to new players (in the squad). A coach’s job is to work on mental aspects and skills, but players have to play. In our time, players did it. You have to take stress, understand. You have to spend time and adapt according to the situation, player, bowler, and wicket. Players need to take more responsibility. A coach’s job is to guide, plan, but players have to execute.”
Under Gambhir’s leadership, India narrowly missed out on reaching the WTC final in the previous cycle. The same scenario threatens to repeat in the 2025-27 edition unless the team delivers crucial victories against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia in their remaining fixtures. The upcoming Sri Lanka series will serve as a crucial test for Gambhir’s coaching methods and the team’s ability to bounce back from recent setbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Gautam Gambhir become India’s head coach? Gautam Gambhir was appointed as India’s head coach in July 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid following India’s T20 World Cup triumph.
How many wins does India need in the WTC? India requires seven victories from their remaining nine fixtures to secure qualification for the World Test Championship final.
What did Amit Mishra suggest about player responsibility? Mishra emphasized that players must take more ownership of their performances, adapt to different conditions, and understand that while coaches guide, players execute on the field.
How long did Dravid take to establish himself as coach? Rahul Dravid required approximately one to one-and-a-half years to fully establish his coaching methods and see significant improvements in team performance.