India's recent Test series losses have intensified scrutiny on head coach Gautam Gambhir, who took charge on July 10, 2024, following Rahul Dravid's departure after the T20 World Cup victory in June 2024. Gambhir was appointed for a three-and-a-half-year tenure expected to extend until the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. The team has faced whitewashes at home against New Zealand and South Africa, alongside white-ball series losses to England and Ireland.
Former India spinner Amit Mishra has offered perspective on Gambhir's early months in the role, drawing a direct comparison to his predecessor's experience. Mishra emphasised that any coach requires an adjustment period to establish authority and implement strategy across all formats.
"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." Mishra said while speaking to the Times of India.
"You have to give time to any coach. In Test matches, we have new players with less experience. It takes time for coaches and players to develop," he added.
Why Gambhir needs time to establish himself
Mishra highlighted that Dravid, who took over from Ravi Shastri in 2021, required considerable time before delivering results. The former spinner pointed to the gap between appointment and performance improvement as a natural part of the coaching transition process. He stressed that the current squad contains inexperienced Test players who need guidance alongside their coach's development of tactical understanding.
"It took 1-1.5 years for Rahul Dravid to establish himself. Then performance improved. Players need to take responsibility and understand the wicket's behaviour," Mishra said.
"You are selected from 140-145 crore people; you have to adapt according to the wicket and situation. That's why you're playing at the top. I don't think any blame should be given to the coach," he added.
Players must share responsibility for performance
Mishra elaborated on the specific demands placed on Gambhir in his early tenure, particularly in Test cricket where squad composition has shifted. He explained that a coach's role encompasses mental preparation and skill development, but execution ultimately rests with the players on the field. The former spinner drew from his own playing experience to illustrate how players must manage pressure and adjust to varying conditions independently.
"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 and skills, but players have to play. In our time, players did it," Amit said.
"You have to take stress, understand. You have to spend time and adapt according to the situation, player, bowler, and wicket. Players need to take more responsibility. A coach's job is to guide, plan, but players have to execute," he added.
India faces a significant challenge in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, requiring seven wins from nine remaining matches to qualify for the 2025-27 final. The team's recent results have intensified pressure on both the coaching setup and the squad to reverse the trend and demonstrate the improvement that Mishra suggested would follow Gambhir's establishment period.