Who will question Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff?

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has raised pointed questions regarding the performance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff following India’s disappointing 1-3 series loss to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India’s struggle was evident throughout the series, with only one victory in five matches, which came in the opening Test in Perth. The Indian team failed to capitalize on key moments, with the batting unit failing to deliver consistently. While India’s bowlers showed glimpses of brilliance, with pacer Jasprit Bumrah particularly impressing, their efforts were often undermined by poor batting performances. This lack of contribution from the top order, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who struggled throughout the series, led to mounting pressure on the team. India’s failure to set competitive targets or chase down manageable totals ultimately culminated in a crushing defeat in Sydney.

Is it time to question Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff?

Australia successfully chased down a modest target of 162 runs on the third day, clinching the series. Gavaskar, known for his sharp observations, criticized India’s lack of fight and questioned the overall approach under Gambhir’s coaching. He highlighted the tactical and mental lapses in India’s performance and suggested the need for a thorough review, particularly in terms of how the team is being managed, both in terms of technique and strategy. The series loss has now raised questions on the team’s direction and the role of leadership moving forward.

Since Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach of the Indian team, he has made notable changes to the coaching staff, bringing in Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, along with Morne Morkel as the new bowling coach. Despite these additions, Sunil Gavaskar has voiced concerns over the effectiveness of the coaching setup, particularly following India's disappointing performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where they lost 1-3 to Australia.

Gavaskar questioned the preparedness and impact of the new coaching staff, pointing out that despite their experience, India’s performance on the field fell short. While the bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, occasionally showed promise, the batting unit, including key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, struggled throughout the series. The legendary batter believes the coaching staff failed to address these issues and provide the necessary guidance to turn things around. He emphasized the need for a more effective strategy, particularly in terms of team selection, batting techniques, and mental toughness. According to Gavaskar, the lack of clear direction from the coaching team contributed to India’s poor showing, raising questions about the staff's preparedness and their ability to make a lasting impact.

“Aapke coaching staff kya kar rahe the? (What was your coaching staff doing in Australia?) Your bowling coach and your batting coach… your batting coach, in particular, against New Zealand when we were bowled for 46, and the way we were defeated in the remaining matches. Batting main koi dum nahi tha (There was no punch in the batting). Here also our batting was not strong enough, so questions should be asked what have you guys done? Why can’t we see any improvement,” said former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar in a recent interview. 

#SunilGavaskar shares his candid thoughts on how India’s coaching staff may have fallen short during the #BorderGavaskarTrophy. 🇮🇳⚡#AUSvINDonStar #ToughestRivalry #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/pHwnD3UyWR

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025

Gavaskar further stressed the critical role of the coaching staff in addressing the technical flaws within the Indian team. He pointed out that the batting unit, which was expected to deliver strong performances, consistently underperformed throughout the series. While the bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, did their part, the batting struggles were evident and ultimately cost India the series.

Gavaskar questioned what actions the coaching staff had taken to rectify these issues. He emphasized that it was the responsibility of the coaching team to identify and work on the technical deficiencies of the players, particularly the batters who had been unable to handle the challenges posed by the Australian bowlers. He asked what corrective measures had been implemented to help players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and others overcome their struggles. The legendary cricketer further noted that it wasn’t just about talent but also about preparation, technique, and mindset. According to him, the coaching staff should have provided the necessary tools and support to ensure the players were equipped to perform at their best in challenging conditions. Without addressing these core issues, Gavaskar suggested, India’s batting woes would likely continue.

“I will also ask what have you (India coaching staff) done. How do you plan to improve the Indian cricketers? Throw-downs will not get you anything. You had to improve their technique and temperament, which you haven’t done. So make sure that ask questions from the batters who have not made runs, but also ask the coaching staff what have they done?” Gavaskar concluded.