Gautam Gambhir Blasts IPL Team Owner For Split Coaching Suggestion After Test Debacle: "Don't Have Any Right"

Following India's recent Test series defeat against South Africa, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly criticized an IPL team owner who suggested splitting coaching roles for the national team. In a sharp rebuke, Gambhir asserted that IPL owners should stay within their domain and refrain from commenting on matters concerning the national cricket team.

The controversy arose after India's 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa at home, which led to scrutiny of Gambhir's coaching strategies. An unnamed IPL owner reportedly suggested that India consider employing a specialist red-ball coach to improve their performance in Test cricket. This suggestion drew a furious response from Gambhir, who felt it was an overstep by someone outside the national team's setup.

"A lot of people have been saying a lot of things, some going out of their domain, like one IPL owner who suggested split coaching," Gambhir stated. He further added, with evident displeasure, that such individuals "don't have any right" to comment on the Indian cricket team's affairs.

Gambhir's reaction highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny he faces as the head coach of the Indian team, particularly after recent setbacks. Since taking over from Rahul Dravid in July 2024, Gambhir's tenure has seen mixed results. While India secured victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup under his guidance, the team has also suffered significant Test series defeats. These include a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand at home and a 3-1 defeat to Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. More recently, the 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa has intensified the criticism.

The pressure on Gambhir has been further amplified by comparisons to his successful mentorship of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which led to their IPL 2024 title win. This success has raised expectations for his role with the national team, and the recent Test defeats have led to questions about his strategies and team selections.

In response to the criticism, Gambhir has defended his approach and emphasized his commitment to making the country proud. He has also taken aim at former players turned commentators who he believes treat Indian cricket as their "personal fiefdom". Gambhir asserted that Indian cricket belongs to the people of the nation and not to a select few.

Despite the setbacks, Gambhir remains focused on building a fearless and competitive team. He has stressed the importance of accountability and a commitment to playing with pride. However, he also faces challenges, including dealing with external opinions and managing the expectations of a passionate fan base.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also taken steps to address the team's performance, including measures to improve focus and discipline. These include limiting the presence of players' families during overseas tours and mandating team travel to foster unity.

As India looks ahead, the focus will be on Gambhir's ability to navigate the challenges and guide the team back to consistent success. His response to the IPL team owner's suggestion underscores his determination to protect the integrity of the national team and his vision for Indian cricket.