NEW DELHI: India’s stunning 2-0 whitewash at the hands of South Africa in Guwahati on Wednesday has once again brought Gautam Gambhir’s role as head coach under intense scrutiny. This is the second time India have been blanked in a Test series under Gambhir, following last year’s humiliating defeat in New Zealand. The latest setback has triggered sharp criticism from several former cricketers and experts, but none more dramatic and thought-provoking than AB de Villiers’ assessment of Gambhir’s leadership style.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, De Villiers offered a candid and layered view of Gambhir — one that balanced both concern and perspective. Drawing from his experience of playing against Gambhir for years, the South African great suggested that emotions may be at the heart of India’s current coaching debate.
“I don’t know what GG is like when it comes to leadership,” he began. “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 remark instantly struck a chord in the cricketing world, fueling questions about whether Gambhir’s intensity — once his greatest strength — is working against him in a dressing room that appears increasingly unsettled.However, De Villiers didn’t stop at criticism. He made it equally clear that there is no fixed formula for a successful coach. “It’s not to say he’s that kind of a coach behind the scenes. There’s no right and wrong. Some players feel comfortable with a former player, some with someone who’s never played but has years of coaching experience.”
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He further admitted that he had never worked directly with Gambhir, Morne Morkel or Ryan Ten Does Chat inside the Indian setup, making it difficult to fully judge the internal dynamics. But he contrasted the situation sharply with his admiration for South Africa’s current head coach, Shukri Conrad, crediting him for restoring calm and clarity.“I absolutely loved playing under Gary Kirsten; he’s a former player and similar to Gautam Gambhir,” ABD added. “Some players find confidence with a former great being there — someone who inspires you to put in extra yards.”As Team India reels from another home debacle, De Villiers’ comments have added a dramatic edge to a debate that is unlikely to fade soon.
