Former Indian opener and well-known cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has delivered a firm and uncompromising message to India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, holding him accountable for the team’s recent poor run in Test cricket. Chopra’s comments come after India suffered yet another defeat, this time in the first Test against England at Headingley, intensifying the scrutiny around the team’s red-ball performances.
Chopra, known for his forthright takes, pointed out that under Gambhir’s stewardship, India has managed just one win in their last nine Test matches. He emphasized that the head coach has been given a free hand by selectors and administrators, with full support in terms of squad selection, team combinations, and strategies. Therefore, Chopra stated, it’s now imperative for Gambhir to produce results without offering excuses.
“Whatever Gambhir asked for, was given to him,” said Chopra during a discussion. “He got the players he wanted, the support staff he requested, and the autonomy to implement his ideas. If this is the scenario, then there’s no room left for explanations. You have to deliver results. That’s the bottom line.”
This pointed criticism is rooted in India’s concerning Test record. The team has suffered losses in all three Test matches against South Africa and Australia earlier in the season, and now another against England. While India have continued to excel in white-ball formats, with notable success in T20 Internationals and recent tournament victories, the same form has not translated into the longer format.
Chopra acknowledged that limited-overs formats have brought results and silverware under Gambhir’s tenure, but insisted that Test cricket cannot be neglected. He stated that India has historically been a dominant force in Test matches, especially at home, and such a dip in form requires introspection at the highest level.
“What’s worrying is not just the losses, but the manner in which they’re coming. The team gets into strong positions but fails to capitalize. That indicates a lack of game awareness and strategic planning,” Chopra remarked. He also highlighted inconsistencies in team selection and the underutilization of resources as signs that things are not moving in the right direction.
The recent loss at Headingley was particularly frustrating for fans and former players alike. Despite some individual brilliance with the bat, India failed to finish the job when it mattered. The bowling unit struggled in patches, and the batting order collapsed under pressure in the second innings. These are familiar patterns that have plagued the team in recent months.
Chopra did offer some leeway to captain Shubman Gill, noting that his appointment is still fresh and he deserves time to find his footing. However, he made it clear that the buck stops with the head coach, especially when he has been given a long rope and considerable say in the functioning of the team.
With the second Test against England around the corner, the heat is firmly on Gambhir and his coaching staff. The series is now being viewed not just as a contest against England, but as a defining moment in Gambhir’s tenure. Failure to turn things around could lead to difficult questions and a potential shake-up in the leadership group.
Chopra words echo the sentiments of many who believe that Indian cricket should not accept mediocrity in the Test arena. For Gambhir, the message is loud and clear: the support has been provided, now it’s time to deliver. No excuses will be entertained.
For more news updates and videos, subscribe to 12B Sports India Youtube