Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Tim Paine questions Gautam Gambhir's coaching style
As India gear up to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, all eyes are on head coach Gautam Gambhir. Former Australian skipper, Tim Paine, has raised doubts over Gambhir's coaching abilities. He said the ex-opening batter's temperament and approach might not be the best fit for the Indian players. This comes after India faced crushing 3-0 defeat in a 3-match Test series against New Zealand at home under Gambhir.
Paine compares Gambhir's coaching style with Shastri's
Paine compared Gambhir to his predecessor, Ravi Shastri, who had led India to a historic win in Australia in 2020. He praised Shastri for his boisterous and seemingly carefree attitude that emboldened the players. However, he was unsure if Gambhir's temperament suits this group of Indian players. Paine also pointed to Gambhir's reaction to Ricky Ponting's comments about Virat Kohli as a sign of the pressure he is under.
Paine heaps praise on Shastri
Paine feels Shastri played a part in India's series wins Down Under. "One of the things that I thought really helped India in those two away series wins against us was the attitude of their coach Ravi Shastri. Boisterous and seemingly carefree, he emboldened his players not to be daunted despite circumstances conspiring against them and rebound from the adversity of being bowled out for 36 in Adelaide in the first Test of 2020-21," Paine wrote in Codesports.
'I have serious reservations about new coach Gautam Gambhir'
Meanwhile, Paine said he has reservations about Gambhir. "I have serious reservations about new coach Gautam Gambhir and whether his temperament and approach suits this group of Indian players," Paine wrote in his column.
Gambhir faces challenges in his 1st overseas assignment
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be Gambhir's first overseas assignment as India's head coach. He will have to sail without his captain, Rohit Sharma, who is unavailable as he welcomed his second child. Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will fill in for Rohit. Further, deciding India's top order will be another challenge for Gambhir as Shubman Gill is out with a finger injury.
Gambhir remains defiant amid criticism
Despite all the criticism and pressure, Gambhir is undeterred. He has said he will stay true to his role, and has the support of his players, including captain Rohit. His resilience and ability to handle pressure will be tested in the upcoming series against Australia. Gambhir has made it clear India are aiming for nothing less than a series win against Australia.
