Gambhir’s long-term future as India coach questioned amid T20 World Cup pressure

Former England pacer Steve Harmison has cast doubt over Gautam Gambhir’s future as India’s head coach, suggesting that an early exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup could bring his tenure under serious scrutiny.

India stormed through the group stage with four wins from four matches, including a high-profile victory over Pakistan. However, their campaign hit turbulence in the Super 8 after a heavy defeat to South Africa, leaving their semi-final hopes hanging in the balance. With a crucial clash against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the stakes could not be higher.

In a recent interaction, Harmison pointed out that Gambhir’s intense and uncompromising personality might not work in his favour if results go south. According to the former fast bowler, coaching the Indian side requires not just tactical acumen but also the ability to manage egos and expectations in a high-pressure environment.

Harmison described Gambhir as fiercely determined and loyal to his chosen support staff, highlighting his decision to work with Morne Morkel and Ryan ten Doeschate instead of opting for established Indian coaching heavyweights. While he praised Gambhir’s commitment to backing his own people, he questioned whether the Indian coach is flexible enough to reassess and adjust when things do not go according to plan.

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The 47-year-old commentator also drew parallels between Gambhir and England head coach Brendon McCullum. Harmison suggested that both men are strong leaders and effective motivators in the short term but may struggle to deliver sustained technical improvement over a longer cycle.

McCullum, currently under pressure after England’s 1-4 Ashes defeat to Australia, was cited as an example of how quickly fortunes can change at the top level. Harmison argued that winning a single ICC tournament might not be enough to secure long-term stability for either coach if broader structural progress is lacking.