- Ever since Gautam Gambhir assumed the mantle ship of head coach of Team India, the script has not gone according to the plan envisaged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India or Team India or for that matter, cricket-crazy Indian fans. One series after another, Team India has encountered setbacks that must be puzzling and inexplicable for many of us. After the high of the T20 World Cup victory, Team India was geared up to achieve higher glories under the new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The previous coach Rahul Dravid left on a high note leading to an ICC Trophy after a gap of 13 long years. Much was expected from Gautam Gambhir who is considered a no-nonsense, straightforward-talking, competitive, and tough taskmaster in the Indian cricketing circle.
PC: Hindustan Times
- People closely following the fortunes of Indian cricket will know how Gambhir played his game with a great competitive streak even though he was not a naturally gifted batsman. Gambhir’s subsequent elevation as mentor and coach in the lucrative Indian Premier League further cemented his position as a go-getter who will deliver for the team through fearless, attacking, and fresh brand of approach scaling newer heights. Notably, before being appointed as the head coach of Team India, Gambhir delivered the latest IPL edition representing Kolkata Knight Riders. The pedigree of Gambhir was never in question and the appointment for the national duties appeared as a par for the course move by the BCCI mandarins.
PC: Times Of India
- However, six months in cricket seems humongous, and the way Team India has performed after the Bangladesh Test series is worrying, to say the least. The visiting New Zealand whitewashing Team India at home 3-0 must have come as a shocking bit of news for the cricketing fraternity and the mad fans. Team India was steamrolled by not so not-so-fancy bunch of cricketers but a team that could punch above the weight spoke volumes about how home favourites were found wanting in all departments of the game. The all-important five-match Test series down under was beckoning and the ICC Test Championship Finals were there for the taking. Unfortunately, what is eventually emerging is proving to be a great concern for Team India and its followers.
PC: NDTV Sports
The first Test at Perth was won by the visitors much against popular belief. Remember, cricket connoisseurs gave no chance for Team India to beat the formidable Aussies in one of the paciest and most hostile conditions on offer in the cricket-playing world. Sadly, what followed in the next three Tests has become a major cause for concern for Team India. The team has since lost two Tests and drew one with one more to go in Sydney. The Indian batters, save for a couple of excellent performances, have failed to live up to the expectations. The murmurs of lack of cohesion within the dressing room are growing by the day. Gambhir must strive to salvage Team India’s foundering fortunes sooner rather than later. Otherwise, his continuation will become untenable.
