Gautam Gambhir needs to loosen up, could also be take a “chill pill”, feels cricketer-turned-analyst Sanjay Manjrekar, who strongly believes that India earned a creditable draw within the fourth Test towards England right here regardless of some not-so-great tactical calls by the nationwide crew’s head coach.
Manjrekar did not mince phrases when he stated that the previous southpaw hasn’t strategically been on level within the red-ball format. Despite the preventing draw on Sunday (July 27, 2025), India are trailing 1-2 within the collection with only one match to go.
“I really feel India has completed nicely regardless of a few of his (Gambhir) tactical selections. Let’s not neglect: India misplaced 3-0 at house (to) New Zealand, misplaced comfortably to Australia (away). The battle we have seen on this crew? That’s down to the gamers.
“Because tactically, Gambhir hasn’t all the time made issues simpler— particularly with a few of his alternatives.” Manjrekar also urged the fiery head coach not to treat every contrarian opinion as mindless criticism after the former India opener hit back at critics of skipper Shubman Gill describing them as people who lacked cricketing knowledge.
“There was by no means any doubt about Shubman Gill’s expertise. If somebody had doubts, they most likely do not perceive cricket. Some gamers take time to settle in worldwide cricket.
“In this dressing room, no one is surprised by what he’s done on this tour,” Gambhir stated on the post-match press convention.
“Even if he hadn’t performed the way he did, we would still have had complete faith in his talent. What matters is that he’s living up to his expectations and potential. More importantly, the so-called pressure of captaincy doesn’t seem to affect him when he bats; he plays as a batsman, not as a captain,” he added.
Manjrekar, the veteran of 37 Tests, is understood to communicate his thoughts on numerous points pertaining to Indian cricket, which at instances does not conform to the favored perspective.
After listening to Gambhir’s press convention, the Mumbaikar could not assist however categorical his take on ‘JioHostar’.
“Yeah, you can tell there are certain questions that get under his skin— especially when people question Gill as a young captain and batter. And honestly, those are valid doubts.
“Even individuals who deeply perceive cricket wonder if this was the best time to hand him that chance. I simply hope we will all perceive this higher,” Manjrekar said.
Over the past decade, whether it is some recently-retired superstars or current head coach and one or two senior players, there is always talk about “exterior noise” which loosely means anyone who is critical of the team other than those present inside the confines of the dressing room.
“It’s not about ‘you guys assume’ and ‘we expect’— we’re all a part of the identical trade and the identical nation. I’d identical to to see him take a chill capsule, calm down a bit, and be open to powerful questions. Whether that may occur, I’m undecided,” said Manjrekar.
Manjrekar was also dismissive of Gambhir’s assertion that Karun Nair wasn’t dropped after his poor run of scores but just the best eleven was picked.
“And to counsel that Karun Nair ‘wasn’t dropped’… come on. You guys see it as a drop; for them, it’s about ‘choosing the right crew’. If somebody is dropped, he is dropped,” he added.
