Should Gautam Gambhir step down as Team India head coach in Test cricket?

Following Team India’s humiliating series loss in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, several fans and experts are of the opinion that Gautam Gambhir should be removed from the head coach of the Indian team in the longest format of the game.

Echoing the same view, Former England spinner Monty Panesar has suggested that Gambhir should step down as India’s head coach in Test cricket.

According to Panesar, Gambhir’s underwhelming record in countries like Australia and England, as well as his previous playing history with several current players, as factors contributing to his struggles as a coach. Panesar believes that Gambhir would be more suited to coaching India’s white-ball teams.

Under Gambhir’s stewardship, India have suffered six losses in their last eight Test matches in the longest format of the game including the humiliating 0-3 loss against New Zealand at home soil.

Must Read: Team India cricketers to receive payment based on performance

“The workload might be too demanding for Gambhir at this point, especially since he’s still relatively new to coaching. For some of the senior players, it might be challenging to adjust, as they may think, ‘I played alongside him not long ago, and now he’s directing us on how to approach the game.’ That shift can be tough for both sides,” said Panesar.

According to the former England cricketer, India could consider bringing in someone like VVS Laxman for the head coach job in Test as Laxman has been successful in various conditions and is currently the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy.