Gautam Gambhir’s 'real character' to be exposed after consecutive series defeats, claims Bangladesh great

Veteran Bangladesh opening batter Tamim Iqbal said that it's too early to comment on Gautam Gambhir's performance as Team India's head coach. Tamim Iqbal highlighted that the “real character” of Gautam Gambhir will come out during challenging times, such as after a series of losses.

Gambhir began his tenure as India's head coach during a tour of Sri Lanka. India won the T20I series 3-0, but they lost the ODI series 0-2. While fans were initially concerned about Gambhir's style of coaching, he has gelled with the squad quite well, ensuring a smooth transition from Rahul Dravid.

India secured a 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Gambhir's first Test as head coach. This win not only provided a strong start to his tenure but also solidified India's position at the top of the World Test Championship table. Gambhir wants to complete a clean sweep with a win in the second Test.

Gautam Gambhir Is A Capable Man - Tamim Iqbal

With the toss for the second Test being delayed due to a wet outfield, Tamim Iqbal said that Gautam Gambhir's true character has yet to come out. Tamim pointed out that Gambhir has had early successes, but it’s important to see how he handles losses.

“When you're winning, you don't know the real character of the man. It's only when you lose a series, then you lose another, that the real character comes out. No doubt, he is a capable man, but it's too early. Let India have a bad game, then we will see what comes out,” Iqbal told JioCinema.

After the series against Bangladesh, India will play three Test matches against New Zealand at home. The team will then travel to Australia for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year. Gambhir will also be in charge during India's T20I matches against Bangladesh and South Africa.

India Got Success Under Rahul Dravid And Ravi Shastri - Parthiv Patel

Former cricketer Parthiv Patel said that players feel relaxed and focused on winning Test matches under Gautam Gambhir's guidance. Patel highlighted that Gambhir's clear messaging has contributed to a confident team approach, allowing players to perform without added pressure.

“You can get carried away because India got success under Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri. And there's a chance that you don't want to change. But at the same time, it's important that you bring your own way. And the stories coming out of the dressing room are that people are relaxed, and there's an intent of winning Test matches,” Patel told JioCinema.

“You tend to perform better with that, and there's no extra pressure. We all know, he is clear with his messaging. There's no grey area, it's either black or white. That's why India have been very sure about their approach.”

Gautam Gambhir became the head coach after the Indian team won an ICC title. The Rohit Sharma-led team defeated South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final to end the ICC trophy drought. T. Dilip, fielding coach from Rahul Dravid's coaching staff, joined Gambhir.

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