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It has now been two years since the BCCI appointed Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. Replacing Rahul Dravid was never going to be an easy task. However, Gambhir appeared to possess many of the qualities required for the role, and, importantly, he was the only prominent candidate to apply for the position.
His return to full-time cricket came after his political journey took an unexpected turn. There was widespread speculation that the BJP decided not to offer him another election ticket from East Delhi, despite Gambhir reportedly wanting to continue in politics. The reasons behind that decision remain known only to those within the party.
Before taking over the Indian team, Gambhir had re-established his credentials in the IPL. Returning to his old franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, he played a pivotal role in guiding them to the IPL title in 2024. That success significantly strengthened his case to become India’s next head coach.
The timing of his appointment also seemed appropriate. With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja having retired from T20 Internationals after India’s World Cup triumph, Indian cricket was entering a transition phase. The BCCI believed the team needed a strong, experienced figure to oversee the rebuilding process, and Gambhir was entrusted with that responsibility.
His tenure officially began in August, marking the start of a new chapter for Indian cricket.
For next two months, it was all friendly with the star cast — Kohli and Rohit — and all the talk about about his appointment to phase out a few seniors looked like a distant dream till the home Test series against New Zealand happened. Then Test captain Rohit Sharma thorough a tacit understanding made it clear that he only runs the show and Gambhir should take the back seat like Dravid. Those days, the photos of Gambhir and Kohli videos along with all smiles photos were regulars till India lost two Test matches to New Zealand. Gambhir stepped in and prepared a turning track in Bangalore to make it 3-0. The seniors were unhappy and they had no choice other than listening to Gambhir. He became a boss — and what can a coach do if the players aren’t performing.
A similar storyline unfolded during the Test series in Australia. India made the perfect start, winning the opening Test under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah while Rohit Sharma was away on paternity leave.
When Rohit rejoined the squad, he was asked to bat lower down the order, while Bumrah continued to lead the side. The arrangement reportedly led to differences, prompting the BCCI to step in and restore a degree of calm between Rohit and Gambhir. The uneasy truce, however, lasted only until the final Test, when Rohit was left out of the playing XI—a match that ultimately proved to be his last in Test cricket for India.
By the end of the Australia tour, Gambhir had emerged as the most influential figure in the Indian dressing room. In the months that followed, he sounded out Virat Kohli about the possibility of returning as Test captain. Around the same time, chief selector Ajit Agarkar is understood to have held discussions with Kohli regarding his future in the longest format, setting the stage for the next phase of India’s Test transition.
Soon after, India lifted the Champions Trophy, bringing Gautam Gambhir widespread acclaim as head coach. The triumph further strengthened his reputation and appeared to vindicate the faith the BCCI had placed in him.
However, the home Test series defeat to South Africa exposed deeper concerns within India’s red-ball setup. It reinforced the perception that the Test team was struggling during its transition, and that Gambhir had yet to make a significant impact in rebuilding the side.
Victories in the Test series against the West Indies and in the white-ball contests against Afghanistan were positive results, but they were not considered the toughest benchmarks for judging the team’s progress. While India’s white-ball side continued to thrive, particularly in subcontinental conditions, the Test team has struggled to produce the same consistency or establish a similar level of dominance.
Gautam Gambhir was not appointed as India’s head coach to force out established stars or create instability within the squad. However, his perceived shifting preferences towards certain players at different stages have, at times, raised questions about the balance and stability of the team.
Despite those debates, India went on to win the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Sanju Samson playing a pivotal role in the triumph. The victory further strengthened Gambhir’s position and influence within the Indian setup.
Even after two years in charge, however, questions remain over his man-management skills. Critics argue that, despite expanding his support staff and making a greater effort to shape public perception, he has yet to establish the kind of dressing-room culture and leadership that extends beyond the formal authority the head coach naturally commands.
Some even argue that white-ball cricket hardly requires a coach. But the Indian team believes otherwise, and that is why Gautam
Gambhir is in the role. Barring any change in circumstances, he is likely to continue as head coach for as long as he enjoys the confidence of BCCI.
That’s all.
