The Indian cricket team has been navigating a transitional phase since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach in July 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid. With a mixed bag of results, including a clean sweep against Bangladesh, a shocking 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand, a 3-1 loss in Australia, and a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, Gambhir’s tenure has been under intense scrutiny. Despite the criticism, Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur, a key member of the Test squad in England, has come out in strong support of Gambhir, emphasizing the positive direction the team is heading under his leadership. Thakur’s remarks, shared in an interview with RevSportz, highlight Gambhir’s ability to instill belief and fighting spirit in a young and evolving Indian side. This article delves into Thakur’s perspective, Gambhir’s coaching philosophy, the challenges faced by the team, and the promise of a brighter future.
Gautam Gambhir: The Fighter Turned Coach
Gautam Gambhir has long been known for his tenacity and never-give-up attitude as a player. A gritty left-handed opener, Gambhir played pivotal roles in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs, earning a reputation as a fierce competitor who thrived under pressure. His transition to coaching has carried forward that same intensity and passion. As Shardul Thakur noted, “We have always seen him as a player who is willing to fight for the team, and even during the huddles, he transferred that energy into us, the one that he brought into the field during his playing days.”
Gambhir’s coaching stint began with a successful mentorship role at the Kolkata Knight Riders, guiding them to their third IPL title in 2024. His appointment as India’s head coach came at a time when the team was riding high after the T20 World Cup victory under Dravid. However, the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin from Test cricket, coupled with the unavailability of ace pacer Mohammed Shami, posed significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, Gambhir has brought his experience as an “achiever who has won trophies for the nation and the state” into the dressing room, fostering a culture of resilience and motivation.
Shardul Thakur’s Endorsement: A Vote of Confidence
Shardul Thakur, a seasoned all-rounder who played two Tests during the England tour, has been vocal about Gambhir’s impact on the team. In his conversation with RevSportz, Thakur addressed the criticism directed at Gambhir following India’s Test losses against New Zealand and Australia. “Criticism will come and go, but as a team, winning matters, and I believe we are heading in the right direction when it comes to that,” Thakur asserted.
Thakur’s endorsement is significant, given his own experience in high-stakes Test matches. A hero of India’s historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in Australia, Thakur has a track record of delivering under pressure, with notable performances like his 67 runs and seven wickets at the Gabba and a rapid 57 off 36 balls at The Oval in 2021. His belief in Gambhir’s leadership reflects the confidence that the coach has instilled in a relatively inexperienced squad. Thakur emphasized that Gambhir’s motivational team huddles, where he reminded players, “You are lucky to be representing your country,” have been instrumental in uplifting morale.
Navigating a Transitional Phase
The Indian cricket team is in the midst of a significant transition. The retirements of Kohli, Sharma, and Ashwin have left voids in both batting and leadership, while Shami’s absence has strained the bowling department. As Thakur pointed out, “When your backs are against the wall, there is no going back, and that was the situation, having two of the most senior pro players retiring from the game and not having Mohammed Shami in the squad.” The team’s experience was largely limited to Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant, with the rest of the squad comprising younger players eager to prove themselves.
Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, who took over the Test reins for the England series, India faced a daunting challenge. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a five-match Test series, was a litmus test for the new-look Indian side. Despite the odds, the team managed to draw the series 2-2, with a thrilling six-run victory in the final Test at The Oval. Thakur credited Gambhir for fostering a belief that “if you have the belief, then there is no opponent you cannot beat.” This mindset was evident in India’s spirited performances, particularly in the final Test, where they capitalized on a swinging ball to dismiss key England batsmen Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell.
The England Tour: A Test of Character
The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England was a rollercoaster ride, with both teams trading blows in a highly competitive series. Described by experts as comparable to the 2005-06 Ashes, the series showcased India’s resilience despite their inexperience. Thakur, who featured in the first Test at Leeds and the fourth at Manchester, reflected on the team’s ability to fight until the last day of each match. “Every match went till the last day,” he noted, highlighting the intensity of the contest.
The final Test at The Oval was a defining moment. With England needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand, India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah and Siraj, staged a dramatic comeback. Thakur recalled, “What happened on day four was that the old ball still had its shine, and it was swinging, so it helped us to get those two crucial wickets.” This victory underscored Gambhir’s ability to inspire his players to rise to the occasion, even when the odds were stacked against them. The draw was a testament to the team’s growing maturity and Gambhir’s knack for instilling a fighting spirit.
Addressing Criticism: Gambhir’s Aggressive Approach
Gambhir’s tenure has not been without controversy. Known for his fiery temperament as a player, he has carried that intensity into his coaching role, leading to altercations with curators and criticism over his tactics. Former players and pundits have questioned his strategies, particularly after the 3-0 home loss to New Zealand—India’s first Test series defeat at home in 12 years—and the 3-1 defeat in Australia, which cost India a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Thakur, however, dismissed the criticism as transient. “Criticism will come and go,” he said, emphasizing that Gambhir’s focus on winning and his ability to transfer his “fighting spirit” to the team are what matter. Thakur also highlighted Gambhir’s success in white-ball cricket, noting that India won 21 out of 26 ODIs and T20Is under his guidance, including the 2025 Champions Trophy. This success contrasts with the team’s struggles in Tests, but Thakur remains optimistic about Gambhir’s long-term vision.
The Role of Young Talent
One of Gambhir’s key contributions has been his backing of young players. With the departure of senior players, the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Karun Nair have been given opportunities to shine. Thakur noted that the hunger of these youngsters to “showcase their talent in front of the world” has been a driving force behind the team’s resilience. Gambhir’s mantra—“If it’s your day, you can take any side down, based on how badly you want it”—has resonated with the younger players, who have embraced the challenge of filling the shoes of their predecessors.
However, the reliance on youth has also sparked debate about the underutilization of experienced players like Thakur himself. Former cricketer Dinesh Karthik criticized the team management for not trusting Thakur’s bowling during the first Test against England, where he bowled only six overs and conceded 38 runs without a wicket. Despite this, Thakur’s overall contributions in England, including 46 runs and two wickets, underline his value as an all-rounder.
Looking Ahead: The Asia Cup and Beyond
As India prepares for the 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled to begin on September 9 in the UAE, Gambhir faces the challenge of balancing youth and experience in the white-ball format. Thakur’s comments suggest that the team is building a strong foundation under Gambhir’s leadership, with a focus on fostering belief and resilience. The Asia Cup will be an opportunity for Gambhir to further refine his strategies and silence his critics.
Thakur’s own future in the Test setup remains uncertain. Despite Gambhir’s earlier remarks hinting at moving on from Thakur in favor of younger players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, his inclusion in the England series and his spirited performances suggest he still has a role to play. Thakur’s resilience, both on and off the field, mirrors the fighting spirit Gambhir seeks to instill in the team.
A Team in Transition, Guided by Belief
Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach has been a journey of highs and lows, marked by significant challenges and moments of triumph. Shardul Thakur’s unwavering support underscores the positive impact Gambhir has had on a young and transitioning Indian side. By instilling belief, fostering a fighting spirit, and backing emerging talent, Gambhir is laying the groundwork for a team that can compete with the best. As Thakur aptly put it, “We are heading in the right direction when it comes to winning.” With the Asia Cup on the horizon and a new generation of players ready to step up, Indian cricket fans have reason to be optimistic about the future under Gambhir’s leadership.
