At the start of the West Test in Perth, Gautam Gambhir was in the firing line. He was culprit No. 1 for the loss against New Zealand, and was accused of favouritism for having included players like Harshit Rana in the team. It was said that Gautam preferred Harshit because of his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) connection. The inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy was also questioned, and failure in Perth would have increased the pressure on Gambhir manifold.
But all of that is now past. Gambhir, yet again, is a great coach, if social media is to be believed. Harshit’s selection was a masterstroke, and so was that of Reddy. Playing KL Rahul at the top was the best call of all, and Indian cricket is in safe hands.
The truth is that one win doesn’t make Gambhir a great coach, just as one series loss didn’t make him the worst either. This is what needs to improve about our fandom. We behave with a certain immaturity, and it is either about elevating someone onto a pedestal or dragging him down into the gutter.
Again, the truth is that we need to give Gambhir time. Perth was a sensational victory, but it is just one win in a five-Test series. The day-night Test in Adelaide will ask a lot of questions of the Indian team, and not many of us have forgotten the 36 all out against the pink ball in December 2020. India don’t play too many pink-ball Tests and it will be quite a steep ask to get used to it in 10 days. Yet again, Gambhir will be tested. Again, a defeat will make him a poor choice as coach!
In reality, Gambhir is about fight. Perth was clear evidence, especially after being skittled for 150 on the opening day. Whatever happens in Adelaide, one thing is for certain. In this five-match series, the Indians will fight till the very end. And that’s what will define Gambhir’s tenure. And this team. And that’s all we can ask for from the coach and his boys.
While no credit is enough for captain Jasprit Bumrah, surely now India’s best-ever fast bowler, it is also fair to say that Gambhir and the coaching unit all played a part. They have made a serious case to be given time before we judge them. The 10 away Tests –five in Australia and five in England – in the space of 10 months is the toughest possible challenge for any coach, and Gambhir is someone who will face it head on. Maybe that’s why he was the right choice for the job.
On the last tour, after the disaster under lights in Adelaide, Ravi Shastri’s motivational powers and relentless positivity played a huge part in India’s incredible comeback. Gambhir may not be as much of a natural in front of the microphone, but he’s cut from the same cloth. He will make the tough calls, and own them. And that’s what we want to see from a head coach in Australia.
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