Gautam Gambhir‘s position as head coach of the Indian team did not start promisingly. Expectations were high from the former India opener when he replaced Rahul Dravid as coach in July last year.
The Indian great was roped in by the BCCI after his success as a coach in the IPL. Under his mentorship, Kolkata Knight Riders played an exciting brand of cricket and went on to win the IPL after a gap of ten years. However, Gautam Gambhir did not develop as expected for him after becoming India’s coach.
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India lost ODIs during his tenure series In Sri Lanka. This was followed by a humiliating 3-0 defeat in the Test series at home against New Zealand. It was India’s first Test series defeat at home since the 2012/13 season. India had a chance to bounce back by winning the Test series in Australia, but were comprehensively beaten as they lost the series 3-1.
The defeat ended India’s chances of qualifying for a third consecutive World Test Championship final. India also lost a Test series against Australia for the first time since 2017. No wonder Gautam Gambhir is facing heat from several quarters.
Brendon McCullum defends Gautam Gambhir:
The India coach has received much-needed support from fellow England international Brendon McCullum as he looks to make a comeback.
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 stated that it was too early to judge Gambhir’s tenure as head coach.
“Gautam Gambhir is an outstanding leader. For India, he is just getting started as the head coach,” said Brendon McCullum.
After defending Gambhir, McCullum turned his attention to the upcoming series against India. England are scheduled to play 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs against the Men in Blue. The tour will begin this week with the T20I series.
Ahead of the series, McCullum hailed India as a very good side, while making sure to warn the hosts. The former New Zealand captain cautioned India against taking England’s batting order lightly, warning: “India are a very good side. But our batting line-up is as strong as any in world cricket.”
He also said England would not hesitate to play an exciting brand of cricket: “We will play a very watchable style of cricket.”
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Meanwhile, the first T20I between India and England will be played at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday (January 22).
