Australia has announced its squad for the first T20 against the West Indies, with Mitchell Owen set to make his debut. Matthew Short has been left out, and Tim David has been rested. Captain Mitchell Marsh is ready for the new challenge.
Harbhajan Singh: The Indian cricket team is currently on tour in England, where a five-match Test series is underway. India is currently trailing 1-2 in the series. Criticisms continue regarding the team's recent Test performance, and this time, the target is team head coach Gautam Gambhir. Former Indian spin legend Harbhajan Singh has openly questioned Gambhir's Test coaching and suggested a major change—the need for separate coaches for Test and limited-overs formats.
Gambhir's Flop Show in Test Cricket
When Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team after the 2024 T20 World Cup, the beginning was impressive. India won several T20 and ODI series under his coaching, and even the Champions Trophy was secured under his guidance. However, his record in Test cricket has consistently been under scrutiny. Under Gambhir's coaching, the Indian team has played 13 Test matches so far, winning only 4, while facing defeat in 8 matches and drawing one. Especially the 1-3 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the clean sweep by New Zealand on home soil raise questions about Gambhir's strategy and preparation.
Harbhajan Singh's Direct Comment
Former legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, in a conversation with India Today, questioned Gambhir's Test coaching and suggested that Indian cricket should have separate coaches for red-ball (Test) and white-ball (ODI and T20) formats. Harbhajan believes that when players and teams change according to the format, the coaching strategy should also be different.
He said, "There is nothing wrong if separate coaches are appointed for different formats. This will reduce the workload of the coaches and give them enough time for preparation." Harbhajan also added that during long tours and series, there is excessive pressure on a single coach, and they also need time with their family.
What is the Trend in International Cricket?
Harbhajan's suggestion is not new. Teams like England and Australia have already appointed separate coaches for Test and Limited Overs formats. This allows coaches to not only understand the players better but also to develop separate strategies and planning for each format. In India, the role of the head coach has so far been played by one person, who remains with the team in all three formats. However, given the current cricket schedule, this responsibility is now becoming extremely burdensome.
Gambhir's Report Card So Far
Looking at Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenure, he has performed brilliantly in limited overs:
- In T20I: Won 11 out of 13 matches, lost only 2.
- In ODI: 8 wins out of 11, 2 losses, and 1 tie.
- In Tests: Only 4 wins out of 13, 8 losses, 1 draw.
Gambhir's record in limited overs has been commendable, but his struggle in Test cricket is clearly visible.
Will BCCI Take a Big Decision?
The public opinion of a former player like Harbhajan Singh may compel the BCCI to think. If the system of separate coaches for Test and Limited Overs is implemented in India, it will be the first time that more than one head coach will be appointed for Team India. Gambhir's experience and strategy may have been effective in T20 and ODI, but in Test cricket, patience, long-term strategy, and in-depth planning are essential—which has not been seen so far.
