Gautam Gambhir’s interaction with the press in Mumbai on Monday, November 11, was eventful. The head coach was expected to face some tough questions from the media in the lead-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gambhir put on a brave face and remained as fiery as ever while answering the media, contrary to expectations. The 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand didn’t seem to affect his approach or body language, as he was focused on looking ahead and concentrating on the task at hand in Australia.
Gambhir kept his responses straightforward and brief. From backing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to praising KL Rahul’s versatility, Gambhir was at his optimistic best, emphasising that India is focused on completing a series hat-trick Down Under. He even stated that Ricky Ponting’s views about Virat Kohli’s form would not matter as India aims to bounce back in Australia.
However, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, in a strongly-worded statement, criticised Gambhir’s press conference, saying the Indian cricket board (BCCI) should keep him away from press duties. Manjrekar went on to say that Gambhir lacked the “demeanour” to represent the Indian cricket team in press meets and should instead stay behind the scenes and focus on the job at hand.
In the first edition of the Democratic Review System (DRS), a new opinion-based column, sports reporters, producers and writers from the India Today Group share their thoughts on Sanjay Manjrekar’s criticism of Gautam Gambhir. The following are bite-sized opinions from our reporters and writers who, for a brief moment, were given the luxury of stepping away from objectivity.
Please chip in with your views too in the comment box below.
As a member of the ‘press’, I’m just glad every-time an individual addresses a press conference. To have a choice over who that individual is would be a luxury. After all, we’ve grown up being fed listening to the bowling coach on a day the batting has collapsed or attending a press conference with the fielding coach when a batter has smashed a hundred.
Brief. Blunt. Fiery. Everyone knew about this avatar of Gautam Gambhir when he was a player. Everyone knew this will be his demeanor when he became the India head coach. To fight the Aussies, one needs such a head coach. Why is Sanjay Manjrekar having a problem with it now? Just because results are not going your way? I agree the New Zealand whitewash has dulled the bluster. But, if you show demeanor, gentleman-like behavior and be gentle in a press conference, that is a true sign that the team has given up and is not up for a fight.
This storm stirred up by “provocative statements” at home just before a tour like Australia is not a good sign for Indian cricket. Everyone knows that Head Coach Gautam Gambhir is known for speaking bluntly-it’s part of his style. In this context, Sanjay Manjrekar provoking Gambhir is unfortunate. He seems to have an issue with Gambhir’s “behavior” and “words.” However, I don’t believe Gambhir said anything inappropriate or behaved improperly during the press conference. The unity of the team remains his priority. Such statements are unexpected from a former cricketer like Manjrekar, and he should apologise.
As R Ashwin rightly said that Gambhir is the most misunderstood player and now that he is your head coach, things haven’t changed much in that regard. Just because someone don’t play by your rules doesn’t means he is wrong and Coach has always been one to stand out. If I go by the history of controversial statements made by Sanjay Manjrekar the least I can say is I am not shocked.. Although, this was totally unnecessary and uncalled for by Mr. Manjrekar,
Head Coach Gautam Gambhir facing the Australian media in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy season has all the makings of a spicy sideshow. Sure, Gambhir’s media interaction was brief, and his responses lacked depth but nowhere did it seem that the Indian coach lacked demeanor to address a press conference as pointed out by Sanjay Manjrekar. As a broadcaster, he’d slice to the heart of any issue, no fluff-just Gauti grit. Now, as head coach, he might be dialed down a notch, but who says we won’t see a few verbal bouncers when the Aussie media tries to rile him up? Picture the press room: Gambhir, armed with calm one-liners, versus the eager Aussie reporters looking for sound bites.
What else should Gautam Gambhir have done besides putting on a brave face? I would much rather see him at his fiery best before a series as important as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy than sitting and dwelling on the New Zealand series loss. He didn’t cross any line or ask a journalist to sit with him and say what he wanted. In my opinion, Sanjay Manjrekar’s criticism was a bit harsh. Shouldn’t we support an under-fire and inexperienced head coach ahead of a major tour instead of adding unnecessary pressure on him?
For Gambhir to say he’s not feeling the heat is difficult to believe. Also, Ponting made a valid point when he expressed that any top-order batter with two hundreds over a span of five years would not survive in international cricket. Why hit back at Ponting? There could’ve been a better response to it. Plus, what does Gambhir want to prove when communicating about Rahul’s flexibility as a batter? All it’s doing is harming the player’s confidence.
Gautam Gambhir’s press conference was underwhelming, lacking clarity on key issues, especially Rohit Sharma’s availability. His unnecessary attack on Ricky Ponting stood out, given all experts have the right to their opinions. The one-liner responses felt inadequate, with more expected ahead of a major tour like Australia. The emphasis on Harshit Rana’s workload seemed exaggerated, while KL Rahul’s promotion, despite Gambhir’s backing, hinted at panic given past instances. Overall, the session left more questions than answers at a crucial time.
When it comes to Gautam Gambhir, we always know what we get. He doesn’t care about what media says and he does talk his mind out. While the ‘we are not thinking about BGT’ comments are getting a bit repetitive at the moment, as a coach he does have the right to speak in his way and should face the brunt that comes along with it. However for a former cricketer like Sanjay Manjrekar to come out and say what he said about Gambhir is a bit shocking. Mind you, he said Rohit handles the media well. If in 12 years, one loss is fine, then Manjrekar should just allow Gambhir to do his thing and not question him.
I believe that Indian team coach Gautam Gambhir holding a press conference with a bold attitude before the Test series against Australia could be a positive for Team India. Australia and Pakistan are two teams with whom India’s rivalry is on a different level. Verbal exchanges begin even before the series starts, and sledging among players is often seen during the matches. This has been the case historically, as seen recently in former Australian captain Ricky Ponting’s statements. In the press conference, Gambhir also responded to Ponting with strong words. This has set a unique tone of verbal exchanges before the series. In this context, I disagree with Sanjay Manjrekar. I feel that as the Indian team heads to Australia for a 5-Test series, they must keep a tough attitude and not fall behind anyone. Therefore, Gambhir’s statements and press conference can be seen as a positive move.
Gautam Gambhir has his own unique style of coaching and interacting with people. It’s unclear what issue Sanjay Manjrekar has with him. It’s not necessary for only the captain or chief selector to appear at a press conference-any member of the head coach or coaching staff can participate. Gambhir answered the media’s questions skillfully. Notably, he made no excuses for the loss in the New Zealand series, acknowledging that his team was completely outplayed. In the press conference, Gambhir also boosted his players’ morale, which is appropriate ahead of the Australia series to keep their spirits up. Judging Gambhir based on just four months in his role isn’t fair. I disagree with Manjrekar’s comments.
Gambhir has always been that blunt, fearless voice in Indian cricket, saying the things fans feel but don’t always have the confidence to express. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming up, this series isn’t just about who scores the runs or takes the wickets; it’s a battle of confidence and grit, especially after India’s rough outing against New Zealand. Right now, the team needs someone to remind them-and fans-that Team India is not about to crumble under pressure. After the New Zealand series, critics have been quick to jump on the team’s flaws, pointing out every potential weakness. That’s exactly why Gambhir’s support for players like Rohit, Virat, and KL Rahul matters so much considering their experience. Sure, Sanjay Manjrekar and others might raise eyebrows at Gambhir openly backing these players, but his voice brings reassurance when it’s most needed.
Gautam Gambhir has always been an outspoken individual. He doesn’t hold back and is straightforward as an indivuidual, something that causes you more harm than good in your professional field. When Sanjay Manjrekar said that Gambhir should be kept away from talking to the press, it’s tough to dismiss what he said. One thing that one needs to understand that not everyone flourishes everywhere equally. John Buchanan was brilliant as a coach for Australia, but faltered big time at KKR. KKR was Gambhir’s second home; he built the foundation of the franchise. Players liked him there once he returned, the Knights won the title. But coaching an Indian team comes with a lot of pressure and expectations, diplomacy is needed and it’s hard for someone like Gambhir to be dipolmatic. It was always a gamble making him the head coach after he succeded as a ‘mentor’.
If early signs are anything to go by, expect plenty more DRS columns from us. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy certainly promises to be spicy and Team India heading Down Under to prove a point makes it even more fascinating. Fasten your seat belts!
