Gautam Gambhir's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has been met with mixed reactions and varying degrees of approval. While some observers have been critical, others have offered a more tempered assessment, acknowledging both the challenges and the potential within the team.

Aakash Chopra pointed out that Gautam Gambhir had a worrying start as head coach in Test cricket, but it is important to remember that the team is currently in transition.

Gambhir took over the reins of the India team in July after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended. Following a bright start against Sri Lanka in the T20I series, India lost the ODI series to the home side. The Test team then thrashed Bangladesh 2-0 before a nightmare outing against New Zealand put Gambhir under massive scrutiny. Under his coaching, India were whitewashed 0-3 at home. They also went onto lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by a 3-1 margin. However, Gambhir redeemed himself by coaching the team to a Champions Trophy win.

Former India middle-order batter Ajay Jadeja defended head coach Gautam Gambhir from the criticism he has received following the 0-3 drubbing against New Zealand, saying it's "unfair" given the short time he has been in the new role. Jadeja felt Gambhir should not be judged within six months of his appointment. India's massive 295-run win against Australia in the first Border-Gavaskar Test at Perth following the no-show against the Kiwis has come as a huge morale-booster for the side.

Adding to the complexities surrounding Gambhir, the Delhi High Court has declined to stay trial court proceedings against him, his foundation, and others in a case involving the alleged illegal stocking and distribution of COVID-19 drugs in 2021. The court agreed to hear Gambhir's petition to quash the FIR on August 29 but refused immediate relief. The Drug Control Department had filed a complaint against Gambhir, the Gautam Gambhir Foundation, the foundation's CEO Aprajita Singh, Gambhir's mother and wife, Seema Gambhir and Natasha Gambhir for offences under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The court cautioned against "name-dropping" while emphasizing that legal proceedings would not be influenced by personal credentials. The trial court is scheduled to hear the matter on September 8.

Despite the mixed start to his tenure, there remains a sense of optimism surrounding Gambhir's long-term prospects as head coach. His proven leadership qualities, combined with his tactical acumen, make him a potentially valuable asset to the Indian team. As the team continues to evolve and adapt under his guidance, it is likely that his impact will become more pronounced, leading to more consistent and positive results.