Not everyone is a fan of Gautam Gambhir’s ongoing stint as Indian men’s team head coach. The combative Gambhir continues to taste success in white-ball cricket, but in Tests he’s under close scrutiny following India’s second series whitewash at home in just over a year. His reliance on all-rounders has been criticised, but the two-time World Cup winner has defended his approach, citing his success in the Champions Trophy and overseeing a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who shares quite a history with Gambhir dating back to their explosive on-field altercation as players, has jumped into the debate, claiming the ex-opener believes he’s always right.
“The way Gautam
started his stint, it looked like he thought whatever he says is right. But after some time it is proved that you are not always right,” Afridi told Telecom Asia Sport.
Afridi also backed senior India batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma amid the ongoing speculations over their long-term ODI future, claiming the duo has the quality to play another World Cup.
“It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbones of the Indian batting line-up, and the way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup,” Afridi said.
Both Kohli and Rohit have shown they are capable of delivering at the highest level consistently with their recent player-of-the-series award-winning performances against New Zealand and Australia respectively.
“You need to preserve both these players. When India face weaker teams, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit,” Afridi suggested.
Despite their current form, Gambhir has indicated that it’s not a given that the two seasoned campaigners are a certainty for the 2027 World Cup, and he wants to focus on the present.
