Is Gautam Gambhir secretly orchestrating the downfall of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? For months, the narrative surrounding Indian cricket has painted Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach, as a central figure in a supposed plot to oust cricketing legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. From their retirements from Test cricket to the supposed mandate for them to play domestic matches, any perceived misstep in Indian cricket seems to have been laid at Gambhir's feet. Even with recent dips in performance in Test and ODI matches, the prevailing notion is that Gambhir's agenda is to remove Kohli and Sharma from the national team.
Previously, Gambhir's stance on Rohit and Kohli was often framed around the 2027 World Cup, emphasizing that no player's position is guaranteed. However, this general principle, applicable to all players, has been twisted by online trolls and detractors into a personal vendetta. Now, speaking out for the first time, Gambhir has indirectly addressed these rumors, stating a great deal without explicitly naming anyone.
"When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach’s supposedly “unlimited authority” will become clear. Till then, I’m amused at being pitted against my own who are the very best," Gambhir shared on X, responding to a post by Shashi Tharoor.
It's quite astonishing to consider the sheer volume of criticism leveled against Gambhir. Labels like 'he would run Indian cricket down to the ground' and 'the worst coach since Greg Chappell' are just a fraction of the accusations. His social media presence, often the subject of memes, also makes him a frequent target of jokes. His unconventional strategies and peculiar team selections have, at times, drawn legitimate questions.
Amidst this storm, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met with his 'friend,' describing him as holding 'the hardest job in India after the PM.'
"In Nagpur, enjoyed a good & frank discussion with my old friend Gautam Gambhir, the man with the hardest job in India after the PM’s! He is being second-guessed by millions daily but stays calm & walks on undaunted. A word of appreciation for his quiet determination and able leadership. Wishing him all success — starting today," Tharoor posted just before the first T20I between India and New Zealand commenced.
Gambhir's Media Scrutiny
The accusations against Gambhir are numerous. Reports from PTI suggested that the relationship between Gambhir and former India captain Rohit Sharma had become so strained that they actively avoided each other during practice sessions. Furthermore, Dainik Jagran reported a complete communication breakdown between the two during India's ODI tour of Australia in October. Many also firmly believe that the dynamic between Gambhir and Kohli has significantly altered, with smiles and laughter replaced by minimal conversation, almost to the point of non-existence.
Following the disappointing performance in South Africa in December, Gambhir maintained his position, stating he would not voluntarily resign as India's head coach, but would respect any decision made by the BCCI. These are certainly interesting times in Indian cricket, especially with rumors circulating about the board considering a red-ball special consultant, a proposal reportedly turned down by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
While India, under Gambhir's coaching, did secure victories in the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy – achievements the head coach made sure to highlight – the declining performances in Test matches remain a significant concern. With a relatively light Test schedule in 2026, Gambhir might find some respite. However, if India's campaign in the T20 World Cup falters, it's highly probable that intense scrutiny will return with full force.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is it fair to place the entire blame for team performance on the head coach, especially when dealing with players of Kohli and Sharma's caliber? Or is there a deeper issue at play that the media is not fully capturing? What are your thoughts on the pressure faced by coaches in modern cricket? Do you believe Gambhir's approach is the right one for Indian cricket, or should there be a different strategy? Let us know in the comments below!
