The big announcement is finally here! Gautam Gambhir has been named the new head coach of the India Cricket Team. But the burning question is, is Gautam Gambhir the perfect coach for India’s Test Team? Many believe that split coaching could be the ultimate solution for Team India.
The BCCI revealed Gambhir’s appointment following the end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure. While Gambhir seems like a great fit for white-ball cricket, thanks to his successful stints with the Lucknow Super Giants and leading KKR to victory in IPL 2024, the Test format is a different beast altogether. Split coaching might have been the ideal strategy here.
So, why was split coaching considered favorable? Simply put, red-ball cricket differs significantly from white-ball cricket. Having separate coaches for different formats could ensure more specialized and effective strategies. Since there is already split captaincy, split coaching wouldn’t be much different.
With Rohit Sharma retiring from T20s after winning the T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya is expected to take over T20I leadership. Meanwhile, Rohit continues as the captain for ODIs and Tests.
🚨 NEWS 🚨
Mr Gautam Gambhir appointed as Head Coach – Team India (Senior Men).
Mr Gambhir will take charge from the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka where Team India are set to play 3 ODIs & 3 T20Is starting July 27, 2024.
All The Details 🔽 #TeamIndia | @GautamGambhir
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 9, 2024
However, Gambhir’s lack of head coaching experience raises concerns. As a mentor for LSG and KKR, Gambhir thrived, but his aggressive style might not suit the Test team’s aspirations, especially in the quest for the WTC title.
If not Gambhir, then who? VVS Laxman seems like an excellent alternative. Currently, he’s the interim head coach while India tours Zimbabwe and also heads the National Cricket Academy (NCA). As a dominant Test player with extensive experience, Laxman would likely be the perfect fit to coach India’s Test team.
