"For India, he's just...": Brendon McCullum's bold take on Gautam Gambhir's poor start as head coach

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as Team India's head coach has not started in a promising fashion. Expectations were sky-high from the former India opener when he replaced Rahul Dravid as the head coach in July last year.

The India great was roped in by the BCCI after his success as a coach in the IPL. Under his mentorship, Kolkata Knight Riders played an exciting brand of cricket and went on to win the IPL after a gap of ten years. However, things have not unfolded in an expected manner for Gautam Gambhir ever since he became the India head coach.

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Under him, India lost the ODI series in Sri Lanka. It was followed by a humiliating 3-0 loss in the Test series at home against New Zealand. It was India's first Test series defeat at home since the 2012/13 season. India had the chance to bounce back by winning the Test series in Australia but they were thoroughly outplayed as they lost the series 3-1.

The defeat ended India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final for the third time in a row. India also lost a Test series against Australia for the first time since 2017. Unsurprisingly, Gautam Gambhir is facing the heat from several quarters.

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Brendon McCullum defends Gautam Gambhir:

As the India head 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 leader. He also said that Gambhir is just starting as head coach, implying that it is too early to judge him.

"Gautam Gambhir is an outstanding leader. For India, he is just starting as head coach," said Brendon McCullum.

After defending Gambhir, McCullum shifted 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 get underway with the T20I series this week.

Ahead of the series, McCullum hailed India as a very good side but also made sure to fire a warning to the hosts. The former New Zealand captain warned India against taking England's batting lineup lightly, saying: "India are a very good side. But our batting line-up is as powerful as any 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 watchable style of cricket."

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Meanwhile, the first T20I between India and England will be taking place on Wednesday (January 22) at the Eden Gardens.