Dual coaching the best way forward for Team India? Check details

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has faced an uphill battle since its onset. After starting with a positive note by securing a T20I series victory, the Indian team quickly hit a rough patch. They were handed a 2-0 defeat by Sri Lanka in the ODI series, which raised concerns over their consistency. The team’s struggles continued in the home series against New Zealand, where they were whitewashed 3-0, followed by a disappointing 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This series defeat marked a significant setback for India, as it not only ended their hopes of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also dashed their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

For the first time since the inception of the WTC, India found themselves out of contention for a place in the final, despite being one of the most consistent teams in the competition’s history. The Indian team’s failure to perform at crucial junctures has raised questions about the coaching strategies and the overall approach to the longest format of the game. While Gambhir’s coaching journey has just begun, the setbacks in both home and away series have added pressure, and the road ahead for the former cricketer-turned-coach looks challenging as the team seeks a much-needed turnaround.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has weighed in on the increasing uncertainties surrounding the Indian team’s performance in Test cricket. With India’s recent struggles in the longest format, Panesar has suggested a two-coach model to bring more clarity and focus to the team’s approach. He proposed that VVS Laxman, a former India batter renowned for his temperament and expertise in Test cricket, should take charge as the head coach for the red-ball format. Laxman’s deep understanding of the nuances of Test cricket, combined with his experience as a mentor and coach, could offer the team the stability and guidance it needs to succeed in this format.

On the other hand, Panesar recommended that Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian team, focus on coaching the squad for ODIs and T20Is. With Gambhir’s aggressive mindset and tactical acumen, he would be better suited to lead the team in the shorter formats, where quick decision-making and adaptability are crucial. Panesar’s idea reflects the growing demand for specialized coaching for different formats, which could help India regain its dominance in all forms of the game.

“I think the selectors will be thinking ‘is Gambhir taking it seriously as a coach, or should we get him to just focus on ODIs and T20Is, and maybe bring in someone like VVS Laxman, for example (as Test coach)? Or bring him in as a batting coach to help Gambhir," former England cricketer Monty Panesar was quoted as saying in a recent interview.

"He’s similar to Rahul Dravid. He’s been successful in all conditions. I think you need some sort of Indian legend, who has done really well in all conditions, to come in as a coach, because then you naturally command that respect," he further continued.

It’s important to highlight that VVS Laxman has previously filled in as the Head Coach of the Indian team whenever Rahul Dravid, the former Head Coach, took a break. One notable instance occurred when Laxman stepped in during India’s T20I series in South Africa. At the time, Dravid chose to rest, and Gambhir, who was serving as the stand-in coach, opted to leave. Laxman’s temporary role as the head coach during that series showcased his capability to manage the team in Dravid’s absence. With his vast experience as a player and his understanding of Indian cricket, Laxman was able to offer continuity and stability. This track record makes him a strong candidate for a dedicated red-ball coaching role, as his expertise in Test cricket would benefit the Indian team in the longer format.