Gautam Gambhir deemed unfit for coaching in Virat Kohli's camp report, will BCCI pay heed?

Published - 28 Nov 2025, 11:30 AM | Updated - 28 Nov 2025, 11:32 AM

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. Image Credit: X

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has made a huge statement on Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir following the team's second Test series whitewash on home soil within a year. De Villiers also said that Gambhir was an emotional cricketer and that trait does not translate well into coaching.

Gambhir came under criticism following the 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa. Notably, the Men in Blue had also suffered a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand in 2024. Several former cricketers and analysts have questioned his coaching style and tactics, while fans have urged him to step down from the role.

I’ve Known Him as an Emotional Player - AB de Villiers on Gautam Gambhir

Speaking with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers shared his views on Gautam Gambhir. The former star said that players respond differently to various leadership styles, as some prefer seasoned ex-cricketers, while others thrive under coaches with long-term experience.

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"Speaking on behalf of the Indian side, it’s really difficult. I don’t know what GG is like when it comes to leadership. I’ve known him as an emotional player, and if that is the case in the change room, generally an emotional coach is not a good thing to have," the 41-year-old said.

"But it’s not to say he’s that kind of a coach and the kind of leader behind the scenes. There’s no right and wrong. Some players will feel comfortable with a former player. Some players will be comfortable with a coach that’s never played the game before, but he’s got a lot of years of experience coaching the game," he added.

I’ve Never Been in the Indian Dressing Room - AB de Villiers

In the same discussion, AB de Villiers said that every player responds differently to coaching styles. The former batter added that he enjoyed playing under Gary Kirsten, whose background as a former cricketer inspired similar to what many expect from Gambhir.

"It’s a tough question because I’ve never played under Shukri and I’ve never been in the Indian dressing room with GG, Morne Morkel and Ryan ten Doeschate. It looks great on paper but I don’t know what the dynamic is like behind the scenes," de Villiers continued.

"What I can say is it is different for every player. I absolutely love playing under Gary Kirsten; he’s a former player and similar to Gautam Gambhir. Some players might find confidence and feel comfortable with a former player being there, a great of the game and find some extra inspiration to put extra yards for the team and for the coach."

Gautam Gambhir Takes Responsibility but Leaves Future to BCCI

India were asked to chase a huge target of 549 in the final innings of the Guwahati Test, but the team collapsed for only 140 on Day 5. The match ended one-sidedly as Temba Bavuma’s side secured a 2-0 lead.

After the series loss, Gautam Gambhir faced questions at the press conference. He accepted responsibility but also reminded everyone that India had won the Asia Cup and Champions Trophy earlier in the year under his coaching. He said that the decision about his future would be taken by the BCCI.

According to NDTV, the board is not planning to remove him right now, as his contract runs until 2027. Gambhir will now prepare for a three-match ODI series at home against South Africa, starting in Ranchi on November 30.

Also read: Temba Bavuma links Jasprit Bumrah’s ‘Bauna’ remark to ongoing ‘Grovel’ controversy

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AB de Villiers Gautam Gambhir India National Cricket Team India vs South Africa South Africa vs India South Africa National Cricket Team ICC World Test Championship