Harbhajan Singh defends Gautam Gambhir, offers split coaching verdict
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has delivered a blunt verdict on the ongoing debate about split coaching in Indian cricket, following the team’s disappointing performances in Test cricket under head coach Gautam Gambhir. The veteran off-spinner emphasized that Gambhir “doesn’t go there to play” and urged patience while suggesting that split coaching between formats could be considered if needed in the future.
India’s Test cricket woes under Gambhir
India has suffered two humiliating whitewashes at home in the last two years under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure. The Asian Giants endured a shocking 0-3 loss to New Zealand in 2024, followed by a 0-2 thrashing at home by South Africa in 2025.
New Zealand’s 3-0 whitewash marked the end of India’s great Test empire at home, which had been well guarded by leaders like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma for over a decade. The NZ whitewash cost a once well-settled India a place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final, and the latest setback to the Proteas could also end up costing them a berth in the marquee one-off Test championship clash, depending on how further results unfold.
White-ball success offers contrast
On the other hand, Gambhir led India to lift the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy title in Dubai, and the Men in Blue have performed well in the white-ball format. This stark contrast between formats has fueled discussions about whether India should adopt a split coaching system, with separate coaches for red-ball and white-ball cricket.
Harbhajan urges patience, defends Gambhir
Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh emphasized the immense responsibilities that come with becoming the coach of the Indian cricket team. He highlighted the unique pressures faced by India’s head coach and urged fans and critics to show patience.
“It is not that easy to become a coach of India. To be a coach, you have to travel with the team for a whole year and keep yourself involved in the game. You have to be more engaged because there are multiple team selections, and you also need to focus on match results. In India, it is our tradition that if the team plays well, everyone is quiet, but as soon as the team plays poorly, we get on top of the coach,” Harbhajan said.
The former spinner defended Gambhir’s credentials, reminding critics of his playing achievements. “Gautam Gambhir does not go there to play. When he was playing, he played well. He played very well for India. Everyone needs to be patient.”
Split coaching: Not needed now, but open to future changes
On the question of split coaching, Harbhajan offered a measured response, suggesting it’s not necessary at present but could be considered if circumstances demand it.
“If you feel you need to split the coaching, such as adopting a policy of one white ball and one red ball, then there is no need to do so for now. But over time, if needed, you should definitely do it. There is nothing wrong with that,” he added.
His comments come at a time when several cricket experts and former players have called for separate coaches to handle the demands of different formats, especially given the packed international calendar and the contrasting skills required for Test and limited-overs cricket.