Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has been facing criticism for the last several months for his tough decisions and the team’s performance in Test cricket. In such a situation, his former fast bowler Munaf Patel, who was his teammate in the World Cup 2011 winning team, has come out strongly in his support. Munaf believes that a fearless and honest coach like Gambhir is essential for the current phase of change in Indian cricket. He also said that while doing this work, Gambhir is taking enmity from many people.
Munaf Patel candidly said during TOI Sports’ Bombay Sports Exchange podcast that Gambhir is an honest person who has the courage to tell the truth. According to Munaf, this is the quality due to which a large section of the cricket world does not like him. He warned that if Gambhir was removed from the post, it would become almost impossible to handle the big stars of the Indian team and the discipline of the dressing room.
Also read: IPL 2026: Who passed and who failed? See the report card of all the captains in 22 matches
Munaf Patel has made a big claim about the influence of Gautam Gambhir on the team. He said, ‘Gambhir is the only coach who is able to control today’s players. Apart from him, no other coach will be able to handle him. Players are afraid of him because Gambhir is not interested in money, he only loves cricket. He never does politics for money and his impeccable image makes him different from others.
Coach should not be a friend but a leader: Munaf Patel
Questioning the modern methods of coaching, Munaf Patel said that the coach should not remain a friend of the players. According to him, ‘The job of a coach is to maintain discipline and control. If the coach becomes a friend, the whole system will fall apart. It is important to have some fear in the minds of the players. Munaf also said that Gambhir has so much courage that if a big player is not performing, he has the courage to drop him from the team.
Also read: Why was KKR’s Blessing Muzarabani banned for 2 years? Know the whole matter
Talking about the hostility created by Gautam Gambhir’s working style, Munaf Patel said that the coach is paying a big price at the moment. He said, ‘Just think, how many enemies Gambhir is making in the course of this work. 8 out of 10 people on the commentary panel and many selectors are against him but Gambhir does not care about it. It is noteworthy that during Gambhir’s tenure, India has won titles like Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup, but after losing the Border-Gavaskar series, the pressure on him has increased.
Comments are closed.