"Not his job": Gautam Gambhir attacked by Harbhajan Singh for interfering in administrative matters

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has fired shots at Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that the job of the coach is on the field and not to indulge in administration matters, which should be handled by BCCI.

Harbhajan Singh's comments came following BCCI released a 10-point directive for the centrally-contracted players. This happened after the governing body took the review meeting in the presence of head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar in Mumbai last week.

BCCI issues strong directive for the centrally-contracted players, makes domestic cricket mandatory for selection

According to the guidelines, all the players need to play domestic cricket for selection. There were also restrictions for family travel, baggage allowance, and restrictions on personal staff, ad shoots and a ban on players returning home if matches end early, like has been happening in the recent past.

If any player violates the rules, then sanctions of discipline will be imposed on them, and they might be restricted from playing tournaments conducted by the board, including the Indian Premier League, and deduction from the annual contract and match fee. Also, it was learned that if any player wants an exception from guidelines should ask for approval from the head coach and chief selector.

For approvals, drop a mail to BCCI and ask for permission, Why does the head coach need to get into all this? - Harbhajan Singh on Gautam Gambhir

Reacting to this, Harbhajan Singh wasn't happy with the guidelines. He said that during his playing days, approval of BCCI was not needed and not head coach. He pointed out that it isn't the job of the coach and questioned Gautam Gambhir for his interference in the same. Speaking to PTI, he said:

“In our times, it used to be written that prior approval of BCCI was needed on certain matters. So, for approvals, drop a mail to BCCI and ask for permission. Why does the head coach need to get into all this? That is not his job."

"His (Gambhir’s) job is on the field and in the technical aspects where we are lacking - Harbhajan Singh attacks India head coach

Harbhajan Singh added that Gautam Gambhir should focus on the on-field issues and see where the team is lacking rather than looking into administration matters. He said that this should be left to BCCI. He added:

"His (Gambhir’s) job is on the field and in the technical aspects where we are lacking. The administrative part should be left with competent people in the BCCI."

There were reports earlier that stated that Gautam Gambhir, during the review meeting, talked about the indiscipline in the team during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He openly mentioned that he wanted to eliminate it and end the superstar culture in the team.

Gautam Gambhir's role as a head coach has come under massive scanner as well. Under him, the team has underperformed and it has been reported that calls related to his future will be taken after how the team performs in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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