Gautam Gambhir‘s “honeymoon period” as India’s head coach is now ended, according to the renowned Sunil Gavaskar. Gambhir’s errors at this time can be forgiven, according to the cricketer-turned-commentator, but he must take charge and lead the squad effectively in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–2025.
Earlier this year, Gambhir took over as head coach of the Indian squad after serving as a consultant for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants. The Men in Blue had lost an ODI series to Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka (0-2) and a disastrous Test series loss to New Zealand (0-3) under the tenure of the former India opener. Many have criticised Gambhir and his players for these poor outcomes.
Gautam Gambhir’s honeymoon has come to an end. “We want him to take over and lead the players appropriately during the tour of Australia, but we tend to overlook the mistakes made during this time,” Gavaskar told India Today.
“What function does Abhishek Nayar serve on the team?” “What?” asks Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar didn’t seem to understand the duties that each of the Indian team’s support crew was playing. Abhishek Nayar’s place on the team was questioned by the 75-year-old.
What part does Abhishek Nayar play in the team’s batting strategy? Does he coach hitting or serve as an assistant coach? “What?” Gavaskar enquired.
After the anchor alerted him, Gavaskar laughed, but swiftly restrained himself before making fun of Ryan Ten Doeschate and Nayar. With more runs than Nayar and Ten Doeschate, Gambhir ought to be Australia’s batting coach, according to the seasoned pundit.
“Gambhir has scored a lot more runs than the two, so we can probably perform better if he can step in and teach the players the right approach and how to bat in Australian conditions,” he continued.
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The opening match in Perth on November 22 kicks off India’s five-match Test tour of Australia. The following matches will take place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.