India’s struggles in red-ball cricket continue to deepen under head coach Gautam Gambhir, with the team losing five of their last seven home Tests—including two home series whitewashes in just over a year. While Gambhir has guided India to success in the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup T20, the same winning touch hasn’t translated into Test cricket.
Gambhir’s Tactics Under Scrutiny
Gambhir’s approach to Test team combinations—particularly his preference for packing the XI with all-rounders to boost batting depth—has drawn criticism. Many believe the constant tinkering is disrupting balance and costing India crucial sessions.
Now, even global cricketing voices are weighing in.
AB de Villiers Questions Gambhir’s Temperament
South African great AB de Villiers has joined the debate, suggesting that Gambhir’s intense personality may be affecting the dressing-room atmosphere.
“I’ve known him as an emotional player, and if that is the case in the change room, generally an emotional coach is not a good thing to have,”
— AB de Villiers to Ravichandran Ashwin
However, De Villiers also clarified he does not know the internal dynamics and isn’t implying Gambhir definitely behaves that way as a coach.
‘There Is No Perfect Coaching Style’ — ABdeV Adds Balance
De Villiers stressed that coaching is not a one-size-fits-all profession.
“There’s no right and wrong. Some players feel comfortable with a former player as coach, others might prefer someone who hasn’t played but has years of coaching experience.”
He admitted he has never played under Gambhir, Morne Morkel, or Ryan ten Doeschate, and thus cannot comment on what truly goes on behind the scenes.
De Villiers Shares His Own Experience
Reflecting on his career, De Villiers said he felt most at ease under legendary coach Gary Kirsten, who, like Gambhir, was a former player.
“I absolutely loved playing under Gary Kirsten… Some players might find extra confidence and inspiration with a former player of that stature guiding them.”
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