Gambhir failed to guide India to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, and India have suffered shock Test series defeats at home to New Zealand and South Africa under his leadership. Gautam Gambhir has, more often than not, been surrounded by criticism during his tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team. In particular, Gambhir’s position as Test coach has come under intense scrutiny following underwhelming results in red-ball cricket. However, former India spinner Amit Mishra urged that his old teammate Gambhir should be given more time at the helm.
Former India spinner Amit Mishra staunchly defended Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India head coach, suggesting that he should be given more time in red-ball cricket.
“It took 1-1.5 years for Rahul Dravid to establish himself. You are selected from 140-145 crore people, you have to adapt according to the wicket and situation. Gambhir’s job as India’s red-ball coach is safe till the end of the 2025-27 WTC cycle, according to recent reports. Three assignments remain in that period – India will tour Sri Lanka and New Zealand for two Tests each, and then host Australia in early 2027 for a five-match series.
It takes time for coaches and players to develop,” Mishra said, in an interview with Times of India . You have to spend time, change according to the situation, player, bowler, wicket. A coach’s job is to guide, plan, but players have to execute,” Mishra said.
“It’s tough for the coach. I think players need to take more responsibility. One coach for all format has been the norm for years. You have to give time to any coach. In Test matches, we have new players with less experience. Then performance improved. Players need to take responsibility, understand the wicket’s behavior. That’s why you’re playing at the top. I don’t think any blame should be given to the coach,” he added. “Give him (Gambhir) time in red-ball. He needs to explain to new players (in the squad). A coach’s job is to work on mental aspects, skills, but players have to play. In our time, players did it. You have to take stress, understand.
