Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Style Sparks Controversy in Indian Cricket

Gautam Gambhir's assertive coaching style has stirred controversy within Team India, leading to reported tensions with senior players like Virat Kohli. Former cricketer Atul Wassan describes Gambhir's personality as aggressive and uncompromising, which has raised concerns among players about his management approach. While Gambhir has achieved success in limited-overs formats, his Test coaching record has faced criticism. As he takes a break during the IPL, the dynamics within the team remain a topic of discussion, especially with upcoming matches on the horizon.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 20:18 IST

Gautam Gambhir's Unique Coaching Approach

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, is recognized for his direct and assertive coaching style, contrasting sharply with the more composed approaches of his predecessors, Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid.

Taking over from Dravid after India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024, Gambhir has achieved notable success in ODIs and T20Is, including winning the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the recent T20 World Cup. However, his performance in Test matches has faced scrutiny, with critics questioning his strategies and adaptability in the longer format.

Reported Tensions with Senior Players

During his nearly two-year tenure, Gambhir has been in the spotlight for alleged conflicts with senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, attributed to his high-pressure coaching methods.

Insights from Atul Wassan on Gambhir's Character

Atul Wassan, a former pacer for India and Delhi, described Gambhir as a 'bully' with a dominant personality, stating that his ego often prevents teammates from challenging him.

"I've known him since childhood and have had my disagreements with him. He operates on a 'my way or the highway' principle, often bullying others in Delhi cricket," Wassan shared in an interview.

He further elaborated on Gambhir's nature, noting that his privileged background and intelligence contribute to his inflated ego, making him believe that his perspective is always correct.

The Impact of Gambhir's Aggressive Nature

Wassan emphasized that Gambhir's combative personality has shaped his career, but it now leads to conflicts with senior players like Kohli. "He couldn't perform at his best without a fight, and this mentality hasn't faded since his retirement," Wassan remarked.

This aggressive demeanor may be a double-edged sword, as it fuels Gambhir's success but also creates discomfort among players under his leadership.

Concerns Among Players Regarding Gambhir's Management

Wassan indicated that some players in the dressing room are dissatisfied with Gambhir's management style, suggesting that complaints are often overlooked if the team is winning.

"There are players who are unhappy but won't voice their concerns publicly. If the coach wins, the players' grievances are disregarded," he concluded.

Upcoming Challenges for Gambhir

Currently, Gambhir is on a break due to the IPL 2026, which is set to conclude on May 3. He will return to coaching when Team India faces Afghanistan in a One-Off Test at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur in June.