Former Australian captain Tim Paine has expressed skepticism about Gautam Gambhir’s suitability as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Paine remarked that Gambhir’s recent clash with Ricky Ponting over comments on Virat Kohli’s form could indicate challenges in maintaining composure under pressure, which may impact India’s performance in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The Ponting-Gambhir Exchange
The controversy began when Gambhir dismissed Ponting’s remarks on Kohli’s decline in form, stating, “What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket – he should be talking about Australia.” Ponting, a former World Cup-winning Australian captain, later clarified that he also believes Kohli is likely to deliver strong performances in the series. However, before doing so, Ponting referred to Gambhir as a “prickly customer.”
Paine’s Take on the Row
Speaking on SEN Tassie, Tim Paine criticized the heated exchange, suggesting it reflects poorly on India’s preparation and Gambhir’s temperament. “It’s not a good sign. Gambhir seemed to approach Ponting as if he were still a competitor rather than a commentator sharing his opinion,” Paine said.
He further added, “The focus for India should be on their cricket, not on unnecessary distractions. If your coach cracks under a straightforward question in a press conference, it could spell trouble if India doesn’t start well in Perth.”
Gambhir vs. Shastri: A Leadership Contrast
Drawing comparisons between Gambhir and former India head coach Ravi Shastri, Paine highlighted the stark differences in their approaches. He praised Shastri for fostering a positive, passionate environment that inspired players during India’s historic Test series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
“Ravi Shastri brought energy and passion to the team. He created an enjoyable, light-hearted atmosphere that motivated the players to perform at their best,” Paine noted.
In contrast, Paine described Gambhir as “prickly and highly competitive,” qualities he suggested may not align with the Indian team’s requirements. “While competitiveness can be a strength, it doesn’t seem like the best fit for this team’s dynamic,” he added.
High-Stakes Series Ahead
The five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide (a day-night Test), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Paine emphasized that the pressure is on Gambhir to keep his composure, especially if India faces early setbacks.
“It’s going to be a long summer for Gambhir if India doesn’t start strong in Perth,” Paine concluded.
The series will test not only the Indian squad’s cricketing prowess but also Gambhir’s ability to guide his team through challenging moments against a formidable Australian side.
