Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes India’s ‘one coach fits all’ formula will not work with Gautam Gambhir after missing six test matches as manager. The Indian cricket team’s performance has been shaky ever since Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid in July 2024.
They suffered their first ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka since 1997 and were shockingly whitewashed 3-0 at home in a Test series by New Zealand. Adding to his woes, India lost the Test series 3–1 to Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after ten years.
However, the Men in Blue are unbeaten in T20I cricket, winning all six matches under new coach Gambhir, but are yet to win an ODI match and now all eyes are on the upcoming three-match ODI series against India at home. of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Monty Panesar demands the sacking of Gautam Gambhir as India’s Test coach
Although Gambhir had successful stints as a T20 mentor with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). As captain, the former Indian batsman won two IPL titles and also played crucial roles in India’s T20 and ODI World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2011, respectively.
But his Test numbers have not been outstanding in Australia and England, and now India’s Test performance has highlighted his weakness in red-ball cricket, prompting many to suggest to the BCCI separate white-ball coaches and the test groups.
Well, Monty Panesar advocated the idea of ​​having separate coaches for the Indian cricket team for white ball and red ball cricket. He feels that coaching all three teams is too much for Gautam Gambhir and he can face the class of senior players as he played with them.
Indian players disrespect Gautam Gambhir?
Monty Panesar was quoted by the Times of India as saying: “I think so. I think it’s a good choice. I think maybe the workload is too much for Gambhir…He just turned coach. Sometimes it can be difficult for some of the senior players who actually think, “Well, I was his teammate a few years ago. now he’s telling us how to play cricket.” It can be difficult, that transition, and also his record (as a batsman) is not great in Australia or England.”
In Australia, Gambhir managed just 181 runs in four Tests at an average of 22.62, while in England, he has only 127 runs in five outings at an average of 12.70. Such figures do not suit a Test side coach and now BCCI should hand over the role of Test coach to VVS Laxman, Panesar said.
India need a legend like VVS Laxman for the Test team: Monty Panesar
The former England spinner said that Gambhir’s Test numbers are not that good and this poses a challenge for him to gain respect in the Indian dressing room. He mentioned that legends like VVS Laxman, with proven success in all conditions, naturally command respect and authority.
Panesar further explained, “I think the selectors will be thinking, ‘Is Gambhir serious as a coach or should we make him focus only on ODIs and T20Is and maybe bring in someone like VVS Laxman, for example (as Test coach )? Or bring him in as a coach to help Gambhir. He looks like Rahul Dravid. He succeeded in all conditions. I think you need some sort of Indian legend, who has done very well under all conditions, to come in as a coach, because then you have a natural respect.”
He concluded, “If Laxman tells you, ‘You’re not going to play the ball high when it swings,’ you listen, right?” But with Gambhir, I’m not sure if they’re taking him seriously or just saying, “Okay, yes, we’ll listen to him, but we’re going to play our natural game.” “
