Former England spinner Monty Panesar feels that India’s one-size-fits-all coaching formula will not work. Gautam Gambhir after losing six test matches as head coach. The Indian cricket team’s performance has been shaky since Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid in July 2024.
They experienced their first ODI series They have lost to Sri Lanka since 1997 and were shockingly whitewashed 3-0 at home in the Test series against New Zealand. After losing the Test series 3-1 to Australia, India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.
However, the Men in Blue are unbeaten in T20I cricket, winning all six matches under new coach Gambhir, but he is yet to win an ODI match and now all eyes are on the upcoming three-match ODI series against India at home. ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Monty Panesar calls for Gautam Gambhir’s sacking as India’s Test coach
Although Gambhir has had successful stints as a T20 mentor with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). As captain, the former India batsman won two IPL titles and he was instrumental in India’s T20 and ODI World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2011 respectively.
But his Test numbers in Australia and England are not great and now India’s Test performance has highlighted its weakness in red ball cricket, leading many to suggest that the BCCI should have separate coaches for white ball and Test. teams.
Well, Monty Panesar has supported the idea of ​​having separate coaches for white ball and red ball cricket for the Indian cricket team. He feels that it is very difficult for Gautam Gambhir to coach all three teams and he may face the command of senior players as he plays with them.
Indian players disrespecting Gautam Gambhir?
The Times of India quoted Monty Panesar as saying, “I think so. I think this is a good option. I think maybe the workload was too much for Gambhir… He has just moved into coaching. Sometimes it can be difficult for some older players who really think, ‘Well, I was his teammate a few years ago; now he is explaining to us how to play cricket. “The transition can be difficult, and his record (as a batsman) is not great in Australia or England.”
In Australia, Gambhir managed just 181 runs in four Tests at an average of 22.62, while in England he has just 127 runs in five outings at an average of 12.70. Such numbers do not suit the coach of the Test side and now the BCCI should hand over the role of Test coach to VVS Laxman, Panesar said.
India need a legend like VVS Laxman for their Test team: Monty Panesar
The former England spinner said that Gambhir’s Test numbers were not that good and it was causing him problems to command respect in the Indian dressing room. He pointed out that legends like VVS Laxman naturally command respect and prestige with their proven success in all conditions.
Panesar further explained, “I think the selectors will think, ‘Does Gambhir take it seriously as a coach, or should we make him focus only on ODIs and T20Is and have someone like VVS Laxman (as Test coach) for example?’ let’s attract )? Or bring him in as batting coach to help Gambhir. He looks like Rahul Dravid. He has succeeded in all conditions. I think to come in as a coach, you need some kind of Indian legend who has done really well in all kinds of conditions, because then you naturally have that respect.”
He concluded: “If Laxman tells you ‘you’re not going to play up when the ball is swinging’, you listen, don’t you? But with Gambhir, I’m not sure if they’re really taking him seriously or they’re just saying, “Okay, yeah, we’ll listen to him, but we’ll go and play our natural game.” “
