Former England spinner Monty Panesar made a significant statement in this regard Gautam Gambhir’s role as India’s chief coachexpressing doubt about the team’s perceived lack of seriousness about its coaching methods. Panesar’s remarks come after India’s disappointing performance in the longer format of the game, which includes a 0-3 record at home against New Zealand and a 1-3 loss in the series Australia in Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. His analysis draws attention to Gambhir’s ongoing struggle to establish authority and credibility in the eyes of the players.
Gautam Gambhir’s job and transition challenges
Panesar pointed out that Gambhir, despite his transition from player to coach, may be struggling with the dual responsibility across formats. He believed that Gambhir’s relationship with the senior players, who once shared the dressing room with him, added an extra layer of difficulty in establishing his leadership role. Furthermore, Panesar drew attention to Gambhir’s unconvincing record in Test cricket overseas, particularly in Australia and England, which hampered his credibility as a tactical coach.
“I think maybe the workload is too much for Gambhir. He just became a coach. Sometimes it can be difficult for some of the older players who will actually think, ‘Well, I was his teammate a few years ago and now he’s telling us how to play cricket.’ It can be difficult, that transition,” Panesar was quoted by the Times of India.
Panesar further highlighted Gambhir’s struggle to perform in challenging conditions.
“He averages 23 years in Australia. Not a good average in England either. He didn’t play the moving ball well. I think the selectors will be thinking, ‘Does Gambhir take it seriously as a coach or should we get him to focus only on ODIs and T20Is?” added the former left-arm spinner.
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The need for a more respected coach: the choice of Monty Panesar
Given these challenges, Panesar proposed that VVS Laxman he might be better suited for the role of Test coach. Laxman’s career has been defined by his success in difficult conditions, including his stellar performances in Australia and England. Panesar believes Laxman, with his experience and ability to command respect, would bring much-needed authority to the Indian Test side.
“You need some kind of Indian legend who has done really well in all conditions to come in as a coach because then you naturally command that respect. If Laxman tells you, ‘You’re not going to play the ball up while it’s swinging,’ listen, right?” emphasized Panesar.
Panesar also noted Laxman’s resemblance to Rahul Dravidwhose success as a coach is widely acknowledged, and believes Laxman could bring similar technical acumen and tactical insight to India’s set-up.
“He is similar to Rahul Dravid. He was successful in all conditions. Laxman could be brought in as a batting coach to help Gambhir, or even take over the role of Test coach entirely.” – said the 42-year-old.
Gambhir’s limited appeal to players
One of the critical points made by Panesar is the lack of trust and respect that Gambhir seems to have among the current players. Unlike someone like Laxman, whose stellar international career earned him immense respect, Gambhir’s move into coaching has yet to garner the same level of credibility. According to Panesar, this gap could be the key reason why Gambhir’s tactical advice may not be fully accepted by the players.
“I’m not sure if they’re really taking Gambhir seriously or if they’re just saying, ‘OK, yes, we’ll listen to him, but we’ll play our natural game.’ With Laxman, the players would naturally listen because of his great record,” Panesar concluded.
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