Source: NDTV Sports

The hallowed halls of Indian cricket are perpetually filled with fervent discussion, but few topics ignite passion quite like the performance of the national team’s head coach. Currently, the spotlight shines intensely on Gautam Gambhir, whose tenure, particularly in red-ball cricket, has faced considerable scrutiny. However, amidst the swirling currents of criticism, a staunch defence has emerged from an unexpected corner, with former India spinner Amit Mishra stepping forward to champion his ex-teammate.

Mishra’s intervention isn’t merely a vote of confidence; it’s a pointed redirect, suggesting that the onus of India’s underwhelming Test results lies less with Gambhir’s coaching philosophy and more with the players themselves, notably implicating the likes of Shubman Gill and his contemporaries.

The Weight of the Red-Ball Crown: Gambhir’s Test Troubles

Gautam Gambhir, a World Cup winner and a shrewd cricketing mind, took on the challenging role of India’s head coach with immense expectations. While his overall leadership of the Indian team covers all formats, it’s his record in Test cricket that has drawn the most significant criticism. Under Gambhir’s watch, India has endured a testing period in the longest format, reflected in a record of eight wins, ten losses, and one draw from nineteen Test matches. This ledger is far from the dominant narrative Indian fans have become accustomed to, particularly at home.

The most glaring setbacks include India’s failure to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, a significant blow to the team’s ambitions on the global stage. Even more jarring for a nation that prides itself on its impregnable home fortress, Gambhir’s tenure has seen India suffer shock Test series defeats on home soil to New Zealand and South Africa. The series defeat to South Africa in November 2025, in particular, dealt a substantial blow to India’s prospects for the WTC 2027 final, putting the team under immediate pressure early in the new cycle. These results have understandably fuelled the narrative that Gambhir’s Test coaching strategy might be falling short.

Mishra’s Staunch Defence: A Call for Player Accountability

It is against this backdrop of mounting pressure that Amit Mishra, a former India spinner and a contemporary of Gambhir, has launched a passionate defence. Mishra’s core argument pivots away from the coach and squarely towards player responsibility, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the ‘old school’ cricketing fraternity.

Mishra emphatically stated that Gambhir ‘deserves more time’ in red-ball cricket. However, his most striking comments were directed at the playing XI, particularly those in formative stages of their Test careers. ‘It’s tough for the coach. I think players need to take more responsibility,’ Mishra asserted in an interview, directly countering the prevailing narrative. He underscored the immense privilege of representing the nation, reminding players, ‘You’re chosen from 140 crore people.’

The former spinner elaborated on the distinct roles, explaining that ‘A coach’s job is to guide, plan, but players have to execute.’ This distinction is crucial, suggesting that while Gambhir provides the roadmap and mental fortitude, the ultimate performance on the field rests with the individuals. Mishra also highlighted the need for adaptation: ‘You have to adapt according to the wicket and situation. That’s why you’re playing at the top. I don’t think any blame should be given to the coach.’

The Dravid Parallel and the Crucial Element of Time

Mishra’s defence also drew a significant parallel, invoking the trajectory of Gambhir’s predecessor, Rahul Dravid. ‘It took 1-1.5 years for Rahul Dravid to establish himself. Then performance improved,’ Mishra observed. This historical comparison serves as a potent reminder that success in coaching, especially at the international level, is rarely instantaneous. It requires patience, consistency, and the opportunity for both coach and players to grow into their roles.

This argument is further bolstered by Mishra’s acknowledgement of the current Test squad’s composition. ‘In Test matches, we have new players with less experience. It takes time for coaches and players to develop,’ he noted. This speaks to the challenging reality of transitioning a team, blooding new talent, and allowing them the necessary space and time to mature into accomplished Test cricketers. The expectation for immediate dominance, particularly with a younger crop of players, might be an unfair burden.

The point about ‘one coach for all format has been the norm for years’ also provides context. Managing three demanding formats requires a holistic approach, and the specific nuances of Test cricket might take longer to imprint, especially when the coach is simultaneously balancing T20 and ODI commitments.

The Burden of Execution: Coach vs. Player in Test Cricket

Mishra’s insistence on player responsibility brings into sharp focus one of the enduring debates in team sports: where does coaching influence end, and player execution begin? In Test cricket, this line is arguably clearer than in the more fast-paced limited-overs formats.

While a coach like Gambhir is instrumental in crafting game plans, analysing opposition, working on technical aspects, and providing mental conditioning, the actual battle unfolds over five days on the field. This demands individual brilliance, resilience, and strategic thinking from the players. A batsman’s decision-making under pressure, a bowler’s ability to hold a line for extended periods, a fielder’s concentration – these are attributes that, while nurtured by a coach, must be executed by the player. ‘A coach’s job is to work on mental aspects, skills, but players have to play,’ Mishra reiterated, echoing the sentiment that ultimately, the performance pressure rests squarely on the shoulders of the men in whites.

For players like Shubman Gill, widely touted as a future star, these words serve as a stark reminder. While immense talent is a prerequisite, Test cricket demands an unparalleled level of mental toughness, adaptability, and the ability to grind out difficult periods. The privilege of playing for India, as Mishra highlights with the ‘140 crore people’ reference, comes with an inherent expectation of high-level performance and self-reliance.

Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Road Map for Gambhir and Co.

Despite the criticisms and the call for player accountability, recent reports suggest that Gautam Gambhir’s position as India’s red-ball coach is secure until the end of the 2025-27 WTC cycle. This provides Gambhir with the very ‘time’ that Amit Mishra argued for, allowing him to further implement his vision and for the players to demonstrate the increased responsibility his former teammate demanded.

The upcoming assignments are nothing short of critical. India is slated to tour Sri Lanka for two Tests and then New Zealand for another two-Test series. These away tours will test the team’s mettle in challenging conditions. The true litmus test, however, awaits in early 2027 when India will host Australia for a blockbuster five-match Test series. This will be a defining moment for Gambhir’s tenure and the current crop of players. India’s historical dominance at home is a narrative that has been challenged recently, and a strong performance against a formidable Australian side would go a long way in silencing critics and validating Mishra’s perspective.

The next phase of Indian Test cricket under Gautam Gambhir will undoubtedly be watched with bated breath. The coach has been given the time; now, as Amit Mishra so pointedly articulated, it’s the players who must step up, shoulder the responsibility, and execute. The legacy of this era of Indian Test cricket will depend not just on Gambhir’s guidance, but crucially, on the unwavering commitment and performance of the ‘140 crore people’s’ chosen few.

---

Disclaimer: Source reporting: NDTV Sports. The Cricket Mantra editorial team has added further analysis, context, and background to this coverage.