Ajinkya Rahane Recommends Social Media Break for Gautam Gambhir Ahead of T20 World Cup
Former India Test captain Ajinkya Rahane has publicly advised head coach Gautam Gambhir to consider staying away from social media platforms as much as possible until the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Rahane shared this personal opinion while discussing Gambhir's recent interaction on the platform 'X' with Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor.
Rahane's Candid Suggestion on Cricbuzz
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Rahane emphasized the importance of focus during a major tournament. "My only response to this is, GG should stay away from social media," he stated. "Probably not think too much about what people are talking about him or telling him. He played cricket in a great manner and now he is coaching India which is a very responsible job. That's my personal opinion, something that even I used to do. Staying away from social media and focus on the big event that's coming, till the World Cup is over." The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to commence on February 7, adding urgency to his advice.
Background of the Social Media Exchange
The context for Rahane's remarks stems from a public exchange between Gambhir and Tharoor. Tharoor had posted a picture with Gambhir on X, mentioning their meeting in Nagpur, where India played their first T20I against New Zealand, winning by 48 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. In his post, Tharoor praised Gambhir's resilience, saying, "In Nagpur, enjoyed a good & frank discussion with my old friend @GautamGambhir, the man with the hardest job in India after the PM's! He is being second-guessed by millions daily but stays calm & walks on undaunted. A word of appreciation for his quiet determination and able leadership. Wishing him all success — starting today! #INDvNZT20."
Gambhir responded with a repost, sarcastically addressing perceptions about a coach's authority: "Thanks a lot Dr @ShashiTharoor! When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach's supposedly 'unlimited authority' will become clear. Till then I'm amused at being pitted against my own who are the very best!" This comment highlighted ongoing debates about Gambhir's role and authority within the team.
Broader Context and Team Dynamics
Gambhir's tenure as head coach has been surrounded by speculation, particularly regarding his relationships with veteran players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rumors have suggested tensions since their retirement from Test cricket last year, compounded by past high-profile clashes between Gambhir and Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL). There have been reports of limited communication during training sessions, but India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dismissed these claims.
Kotak clarified, "They discuss with Gautam about ODI formats, about the matches we have, and our plans going ahead to South Africa (World Cup in 2027). Most of the time I'm there and if I'm listening. They definitely share the experience and I always see them talking. Obviously, in social media, you see a lot of things which I try to avoid seeing." This underscores the disconnect between social media narratives and actual team interactions.
Implications for Team India's Preparation
Rahane's advice comes at a critical juncture as India gears up for the T20 World Cup. The focus on minimizing distractions from social media could be seen as a strategy to enhance team cohesion and performance. Key points to consider include:
- The potential impact of social media controversies on team morale and focus.
- Gambhir's need to balance public engagement with coaching responsibilities.
- The role of experienced players and coaches in managing external pressures during major tournaments.
As the tournament approaches, Gambhir's ability to heed such advice may influence India's campaign, emphasizing the importance of a distraction-free environment for optimal preparation and success on the global stage.
