Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has raised concerns among former Australian captain Tim Paine. Paine believes that Gambhir’s “prickly” coaching style may not be a good fit for the team, especially in the wake of their recent 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand.
Paine highlighted the contrast between Gambhir’s approach and that of former coach Ravi Shastri, who was known for his positive and motivating style. He expressed concern that Gambhir’s “prickly” nature could create a tense atmosphere within the team, especially under pressure.
Paine’s comments stem from a recent media interaction where Gambhir took issue with Ricky Ponting’s remarks on Virat Kohli’s struggling form. Gambhir’s response, which Paine described as “prickly,” has raised questions about his ability to handle criticism and stay calm under pressure.
Paine believes that Gambhir’s biggest concern is not the form of Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, but his own ability to remain composed under pressure. He emphasized that the coach’s demeanor can have a significant impact on the team’s performance, especially in a high-stakes environment like the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Gambhir’s appointment has also raised questions about the future of the Indian team. The team has struggled in recent months, and the loss to New Zealand has further dented their confidence. Paine believes that if India fails to start strong in the Perth Test, it could be a “long summer” for Gambhir and the team.
