Gautam Gambhir is the new Greg Chappell of Indian cricket? The former batsman drops a bombshell

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has been facing a lot of criticism along with captain Rohit Sharma of late following the team’s poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. India lost the series 1-3 to the hosts, with Gambhir at the helm of the rout.

The former India opener was even compared to former India head coach Greg Chappell, under whom the team fell to a new low. However, Gambhir’s former teammate Robin Uthappa came to his defense and revealed that Gambhir is different from Chappell in every way.

Greg Chappell was known as a strict supervisor and his coaching style did not go down well with the Indian team. He was on bad terms with the then Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. But Uthappa feels that Gambhir supports Rohit which makes him different from Chappell.

Also read: Ravi Shastri blamed for Virat Kohli’s struggles as Gautam Gambhir faces criticism

Is Gautam Gambhir similar to Greg Chappell? Robin Uthappa answers

While talking about Lallantop, Robin Uthappa said that Gautam Gambhir is not like Greg Chappell. Uthappa believes that Gambhir is very direct in his approach and likes to be direct with the players rather than talking behind their backs.

“I disagree with you that his style is similar to Greg Chappell’s. I don’t agree with that at all. I have not met a more honest person than Gauti (Gautam Gambhir). He is very direct. You might not like what he says, but he will say it to your face, be sure of that and I love people like that,” Uthappa explained.

“In my opinion, these people have a good life. They say whatever they think and that’s enough. You get what you see, that’s better than being another person behind someone’s back. I prefer someone to be open with me, and Gauti is very, very straight,” he concluded.

Gautam Gambhir is known for his straightforward approach and has been credited with many achievements throughout his career. He played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders winning IPL 2024 where he mentored the team. However, his role as India’s chief coach is under the scanner following India’s poor performances of late.

Gautam Gambhir’s relationship with Rohit Sharma

Robin Uthappa further spoke about Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma’s relationship. He claimed that Gambhir and Rohit share a good rapport with each other but it might take some time for them to mesh.

“They probably find the chemistry of dynamics here. It’s not set yet, probably with (Jasprit) Bumrah, he was leading his first Test, so the chemistry was better. Some just click and some take some time to click,” said the former India player.

“It’s not that there’s no chemistry. It’s there and you can see it in Gambhir’s interviews. He has a lot of respect and love for Rohit. Sometimes relationships take time, because they’re both leaders with their own styles,” he added.

Even before he became the head coach, Gautam Gambhir supported Rohit Sharma and his captaincy. When Rohit sat out the final Test of the series in Sydney recently, Gambhir hailed him for keeping the team ahead of him.

Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma are under a lot of pressure

With so much going on in Indian cricket, both Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma are under a lot of pressure to deliver. India have not had much success since winning the T20 World Cup 2024 in June last year.

Rohit endured a poor run of form in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring just 31 in three Tests at an average of 6.20. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir was also criticized for dismissing Rohit Sharma in the Sydney Test and disrespecting him.

Both will focus on the upcoming Champions Trophy to redeem their careers. The Champions Trophy will begin on February 19 and India will play all their matches in Dubai.