Ajinkya Rahane demands social media ban on Gautam Gambhir ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

India won the match in Guwahati, as well as the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand, ahead of the T20I World Cup 2026. The straight 3 wins were much needed for the team because of their morale. The team's morale, as well as the morale of the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, should be on the higher side before the high-octane tournament.

Confidence of Team India was hit hard when the New Zealand cricket team, with multiple unpolished talents in their squad, emerged victorious in the 3-match ODI series. After which, a series of criticisms targeting Gautam Gambhir was initiated on social media platforms. It was not the first time for Gautam Gambhir to deal with the critics.

Gautam Gambhir faced a lot of criticisms

Since Gautam Gambhir joined Team India as the head coach, the team has experienced a lot of highs and lows. While the Men in Blue remain the dominating force in the T20I format, in Tests and ODIs, they had to take jolts on multiple occasions. Cricket fans on social media platforms requested the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to remove Gautam Gambhir from the job.

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But the board has trust in the former cricketer, and ahead of the T20I World Cup 2026, the reason to keep trust in him is clear. Under Gambhir's coaching, the team might have suffered a lot in Tests and ODIs, but the team continues to be a dominating force in the shorter format of the game, which is very crucial ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 tournament. India will enter the tournament as the defending champion, and they will be the favourites to retain the title.

Ajikya Rahane suggested Gambhir to stay away from social media platforms

After the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I, seasoned Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has a suggestion for Gambhir. Rahane suggested the former cricketer, currently the head coach, stay away from social media platforms to remain away from unnecessary thoughts. Ajinkya Rahane believes that coaching Team India is a highly responsible duty.

“My only response to this is that GG should probably stay away from social media. Probably not thinking too much about what people are saying about him or telling him. He played his cricket in a great manner, and now he's coaching Team India, which is a very responsible job,” Rahane said on Cricbuzz while reacting to the recent tweet of Gambhir, where he spoke about not having the unlimited authority in the team.

“He should stay away from social media and focus on the team. That's my personal opinion. Let's just focus on the main thing: stay away from social media till the World Cup is over,” he added.

Multiple poor outings under Gambhir's coaching

Under his tenure, India was whitewashed by New Zealand in a three-match Test series on home soil, and the side even lost the two-match Test series against South Africa.

The team suffered defeats against Sri Lanka and New Zealand in ODIs as well. In both occasions, India had the better team on paper, but failed to deliver.

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