Gautam GambhirHis stint as coach of Team India did not start in a promising way. Expectations have been very high since India's previous opener when he replaced Rahul Dravid as head coach in July last year.
The Indian great was roped in by the BCCI after his success as a coach in the IPL. Under his guidance, Kolkata Knight Riders played an exciting brand of cricket and went on to win the Indian Premier League after a ten-year hiatus. However, things have not developed the expected way for Gautam Gambhir since he became the coach of the Indian team.
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Under his captaincy, India lost the ODI series In Sri Lanka. This was followed by a humiliating 3-0 loss in the Test series at home to New Zealand. This was India's first Test series defeat at home since the 2012/13 season. India had a chance to bounce back by winning the Test series in Australia but were completely overpowered as they lost the series 3-1.
The defeat ended India's chances of qualifying for the final of the World Test Championship for the third time in a row. India also lost a Test series to Australia for the first time since 2017. Not surprisingly, Gautam Gambhir is facing the heat from several quarters.
Brendon McCullum defends Gautam Gambhir:
As the India coach looks to bounce back, he has received some much-needed support from his England counterpart Brendon McCullum.
Speaking to the media ahead of the first T20I between India and England, McCullum defended Gautam Gambhir and hailed him as an outstanding captain. He also said that Gambhir has only just started as head coach, which means it is too early to judge him.
“Gautam Gambhir is an outstanding leader. For India, he is just starting out as head coach,” Brendon McCullum said.
After defending Gambhir, McCullum turned his focus to the upcoming series against India. England are scheduled to play 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs against the Men in Blue. The tour will begin with the T20I series this week.
Ahead of the series, McCullum hailed India as a very good team but was also keen to issue a warning to the hosts. The former New Zealand captain warned India against underestimating England's batting line-up, saying: “India is a very good team. But our batting line-up is as strong as any team in world cricket.”
He also said that England would not shy away from playing an exciting brand of cricket, saying: “We will play a very special style of cricket.”
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Meanwhile, the first T20I between India and England will be held on Wednesday (January 22) at Eden Gardens.
