NEW DELHI: The forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy stands as a critical series for India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. His tenure has witnessed significant setbacks, including India’s first ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka in 27 years, followed by a home Test series loss to New Zealand after 12 years.
The former opening batsman now faces substantial pressure ahead of the Australia series.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has shared his perspective on the significance of the upcoming Australian tour for Gambhir.”Ever since Gautam has become the coach, he has not gone out there to bat, neither he has gone out to bowl. Suddenly he has become the coach and the results have gone down. The entire blame is being pinned on Gautam Gambhir,” Harbhajan told Jatin Sapru on the his YouTube channel.
“He has not batted or bowled, the blame cannot be put on him. Your plan was to have turners, and the plan backfired. Knowing him, I think he has his heart in the right place. He always thinks about the team, it is way too early for us to judge him. Give him time. It is not easy to run big teams,” he added.
Harbhajan further expressed his thoughts about how the five-match series against Australia would assess Gambhir’s composure.
“It is difficult to run big teams, everyone takes time. If the results were fine, everyone would have said ‘see, Gautam is making the team win’. The series against Australia is important, a lot of things will be tested. Gautam Gambhir who will be sitting outside, his anger and patience will be tested,” said Harbhajan.
“He cannot control anything from the outside, big players get frustrated sitting on the sidelines. This Test, Gambhir needs to pass. The tour is very important for Gambhir. In this country, everyone has an opinion. Gautam Gambhir must be feeling low, he is on the radar. If the series doesn’t go well, Gambhir will be at the receiving end. I want him to stay calm and for the team to perform well,” he added.
The series begins with the first Test in Perth on November 22.
The second match, a day-night Test, will be played at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10.
Brisbane’s Gabba hosts the third Test from December 14 to 18, followed by the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30.
The series concludes with the final Test in Sydney, commencing January 3.