Mishra: Give Gambhir Time as India Coach and Hold Players Accountable

Former India spinner Amit Mishra has defended Gautam Gambhir’s time as head coach, saying the responsibility for poor results cannot rest on one man. Speaking to the Times of India, he called for patience and said the players have to do more.

The context

Gambhir took over on July 10, 2024, after Rahul Dravid left following India’s T20 World Cup win. His contract of three and a half years is due to run until the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. Since then India have had a hard time in several formats, including Test series defeats and home whitewashes by New Zealand and South Africa, along with setbacks in white-ball cricket.

Lessons from Dravid’s tenure

Mishra compared the situation with Dravid’s spell in charge. By his reckoning, Dravid needed roughly 12 to 18 months to settle in, after which performances improved. He said every coach deserves that kind of time, especially in Tests, where the team includes newer and less experienced players.

He noted that one coach for all formats has been the norm for years, and described the job as a tough one.

Players must execute

In Mishra’s view, those picked to play for India are chosen from a vast population and must adjust to the pitch and the situation without leaning on the coach. He said a coach’s role is to plan, guide and work on mental aspects and skills, but it is the players who have to carry out those plans on the field.

He asked for Gambhir to be given time in red-ball cricket so he can bring the newer Test players along both mentally and technically.

Pressure remains

With a demanding World Test Championship campaign ahead, the pressure on Gambhir and the squad is unlikely to ease. Mishra’s message is that the coaching group should not be judged on early results alone.