Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has voiced strong support for head coach Gautam Gambhir, urging the BCCI to avoid rushing into a split coaching model and instead show patience during a crucial transition phase for Indian cricket. With debates intensifying around whether India should appoint separate coaches for red-ball and white-ball formats, Harbhajan believes the current ecosystem is not yet prepared for such a structural overhaul.
Since Gambhir took charge, India has experienced contrasting fortunes. While the team has continued to perform well in white-ball tournaments, recent red-ball setbacks, including home series losses against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa in 2025, have placed the coaching setup under scrutiny. Critics argue that Gambhir’s stronger background in limited-overs cricket has raised questions about his Test-match strategies, prompting renewed calls for split coaching.
However, Harbhajan has dismissed the urgency behind these demands. Speaking on the matter, he highlighted the immense responsibility that comes with coaching the Indian team, stressing that it is not a part-time role but a year-round commitment involving constant travel, player management, selection decisions, and tactical planning across formats. According to him, expecting instant results from a relatively new coach handling a young and evolving squad is unrealistic.
Harbhajan also pointed out a familiar pattern within Indian cricket culture, where coaches and support staff are often praised quietly during success but face intense criticism during setbacks. He emphasized the need for balance, stating that Gambhir deserves acknowledgment for positive outcomes just as much as he is questioned for failures.
On the topic of split coaching, Harbhajan cautioned that introducing multiple head coaches could lead to confusion, mixed messaging, and coordination issues within the team environment. He believes a single central figure currently provides clarity and cohesion across formats. While he did not completely rule out the possibility of split coaching in the future, he insisted that such a move should only be considered if circumstances genuinely demand it over time.
Looking ahead, Gambhir’s immediate focus will be on the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup on home soil, where India will defend their title. The tournament is expected to play a major role in shaping perceptions around his tenure, with performance likely to influence future decisions by the board. For now, voices like Harbhajan Singh’s are calling for stability, trust, and patience rather than structural experimentation.
