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Gautam GambhirThe tenure as the head coach of Team India has not started auspiciously. Expectations from the former India opener were sky high when he replaced Rahul Dravid as head coach in July last year.
The India great was roped in by the BCCI after his success as a coach in the IPL. Under his tutelage, Kolkata Knight Riders played a thrilling brand of cricket and won the IPL after a gap of ten years. However, things haven’t panned out as expected for Gautam Gambhir ever since he became India’s head coach.
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Under him, India lost the ODI series in Sri Lanka. It was followed by a humiliating 3-0 loss in the home Test series against New Zealand. It was India’s first Test series loss at home since the 2012/13 season. India had a chance to bounce back by winning the Test series in Australia, but they completely outplayed themselves as they lost the series 3-1.
The defeat ended India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final for the third consecutive time. India also lost a Test series against Australia for the first time since 2017. Unsurprisingly, Gautam Gambhir is facing heat from various quarters.
Brendon McCullum defends Gautam Gambhir:
As the Indian head coach looks to bounce back, he has received much-needed support from his English counterpart Brendon McCullum.
Speaking to the media ahead of the first T20I between India and England, McCullum defended Gautam Gambhir and hailed him as an outstanding leader. He also said that Gambhir has just started as a coach, which implies that it is too early to judge him.
“Gautam Gambhir is an exceptional leader. For India, he is just getting started as head coach,” Brendon McCullum said.
After defending Gambhir, McCullum focused on the upcoming series against India. England are scheduled to play 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs against the Men in Blue. The tour will begin with the T20I series this week.
Ahead of the series, McCullum praised India as a very good side but also made sure to throw a warning at the hosts. The former New Zealand captain warned India not to take England’s batting line-up lightly, saying: “India are a very good side. But our batting line-up is so powerful like anyone in world cricket.”
He also said England would not shy away from playing an exciting brand of cricket, saying: “We will play a very visible style of cricket.”
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Meanwhile, the first T20I between India and England will take place on Wednesday (January 22) at the Eden Gardens.
