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Former England spinner Monty Panesar has made an important statement about Gautam Gambhir’s role as India head coachexpressing doubts about the team’s apparent lack of seriousness towards its training methods. Panesar’s comments come after India’s disappointing performances in the longest format of the game, including a 0-3 home defeat New Zealand and a 1-3 series loss to Australia in it Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. His analysis draws attention to Gambhir’s continued struggles to establish authority and credibility in the eyes of the players.
Gautam Gambhir’s workload and transition challenges
Panesar has pointed out that Gambhir, despite his transition from player to coach, may find it difficult to manage dual responsibility in all formats. He believed that Gambhir’s relationship with senior players, who once shared a dressing room with him, adds an extra layer of difficulty in asserting his role as a leader. Additionally, Panesar drew attention to Gambhir’s disappointing record in overseas Test cricket, particularly in Australia and England, which has hampered his credibility as a tactical coach.
“I think maybe the workload is too much for Gambhir. He just made the transition to coach. It can be difficult at times for some of the senior players who will actually be thinking, “Well, I was his teammate a few years ago and now he’s telling us how to play cricket.” That transition can be difficult.” Panesar was quoted by the Times of India.
Panesar further emphasized Gambhir’s struggle to perform in challenging conditions.
“It averages 23 in Australia. He also doesn’t have a good average in England. He didn’t play the moving ball very well. I think the selectors will think, ‘Is Gambir taking this seriously as a coach or should we make him concentrate only on ODIs and T20Is?’ added the former left-arm spinner.
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Need for a more respected coach: the choice of Monty Panesar
Faced with these challenges, Panesar has suggested that Laxman Plumbing might be a better fit for the Test coach role. Laxman’s career has been defined by his success in difficult conditions, including stellar performances in Australia and England. Panesar believes Laxman, with his experience and ability to command respect, would bring much-needed authority to India’s Test side.
“You need some kind of Indian legend who has done very well in all conditions to come in as a coach because then naturally you deserve that respect. If Laxman tells you, ‘You’re not going to play the ball up when it’s swinging,’ you listen, right?” Panesar emphasized.
Panesar also noted Laxman’s similarity with Rahul Dravidwhose success as a coach has been widely recognised, and believes Laxman could bring similar technical acumen and tactical vision to the Indian set-up.
“He is similar to Rahul Dravid. It has been successful in all conditions. Laxman could be brought in as batting coach to help Gambhir, or even take over the Test coach role entirely.” the 42-year-old man stated.
Gambhir’s limited appeal to players
One of the critical points that Panesar raised is the lack of trust and respect that Gambhir seems to have among the current players. Unlike someone like Laxman, whose stellar international career has earned him immense respect, Gambhir’s transition to coaching is yet to gain the same level of credibility. According to Panesar, this gap could be a key reason why players do not fully accept Gambhir’s tactical advice.
“I’m not sure if they really take Gambhir seriously or just say, ‘Okay, yeah, we’ll listen to it, but we’re going to play our natural game.’ With Laxman, the players would naturally listen because of his fantastic track record.” Panesar concluded.
