Former Cricketer Manoj Tiwary Highlights Pressure on Coach Gautam Gambhir
Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has expressed his belief that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might be compelled to make a significant and challenging decision regarding head coach Gautam Gambhir if the Indian team fails to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title on home soil. Tiwary emphasized that the upcoming tournament holds immense importance for determining the future trajectory of the former opener's coaching career.
Mounting Pressure Despite T20I Success
Although Gautam Gambhir has overseen an impressive run in T20 Internationals since taking charge as head coach in July 2024, considerable pressure has built up due to underwhelming performances in the other two formats. Under Gambhir's leadership, India has experienced setbacks including a home Test series loss against New Zealand and South Africa, along with a recent defeat by a depleted New Zealand side in a three-match ODI series.
This context makes the forthcoming 20-team T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7, critically important for evaluating the coach's tenure and overall impact on the national team's performance across formats.
Tiwary's Clear Stance on Potential Action
Manoj Tiwary stated unequivocally that the BCCI should not hesitate to take appropriate action if tournament results do not favor India. "If India doesn't win the T20 World Cup, then I think that the BCCI should take a big and difficult decision regarding Gautam Gambhir," Tiwary told InsideSport during a recent interview.
He acknowledged that the cricket board has publicly expressed support for the coach, noting that "The BCCI secretary has already stated that Gambhir will continue until his contract expires, and there is no question of removing him." However, Tiwary added a crucial caveat, suggesting that "the 2026 T20 World Cup, if the result doesn't come in this, then the BCCI will remove him and take a big call."
Potential Successor and Process-Driven Approach
Looking beyond the immediate tournament, Tiwary also proposed a possible successor should the BCCI decide to part ways with Gambhir. He urged the board to consider convincing former India batting legend VVS Laxman to assume the head coach role, highlighting Laxman's previous experience as a natural choice during Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure.
"I think it has to be a process-driven thing," Tiwary explained. "When Rahul Dravid was the coach and didn't go on certain tours, VVS Laxman used to go. So he was the natural choice." This suggestion underscores the importance of continuity and systematic planning in India's coaching structure.
India's T20 World Cup Campaign and Group Dynamics
The Indian cricket team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, finds itself placed in Group A alongside formidable opponents including Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. The hosts will commence their campaign against the USA at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on February 7, marking the beginning of what promises to be a highly competitive tournament on home soil.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to this premier event, all eyes will be on how Gambhir guides the team through the challenges ahead, with his coaching future potentially hanging in the balance based on tournament outcomes.
