Criticism surrounding Gautam Gambhir’s coaching philosophy appears to be intensifying with each passing day. India’s recent 2–0 Test series defeat to South Africa has only added fuel to an already growing fire. The pressure on the Indian head coach has risen sharply, particularly as this is not the first time the team has suffered a humiliating whitewash under his guidance. Last October, India were beaten 3–0 at home by New Zealand in another forgettable series.
Both series defeats came on Indian soil, once considered an impenetrable fortress for the national Test side. For over a decade — from 2013 to 2024 — India did not lose a single Test series at home. That proud streak was shattered when New Zealand swept India 3–0, marking a major turning point and triggering widespread debate about the team’s direction.
Since then, questions surrounding India’s Test strategy have only become more pointed. Many critics argue that Gambhir’s strong preference for all-rounders at the expense of experienced specialist players has backfired spectacularly. Several former Indian cricketers have openly questioned his decisions. Now, South African legend AB de Villiers has joined the discussion — though in a far more nuanced manner.
De Villiers did not directly criticise Gambhir’s tactics. Instead, speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, he reflected on the former Indian opener’s temperament and how it might influence the dressing room environment.
“I find it difficult to comment on what is happening from inside the Indian camp,” de Villiers said. “But I’ve always seen Gambhir as a very emotional cricketer. If that same emotion is transferred into the dressing room, it’s usually not ideal for a team. Emotional coaches, in most cases, don’t bring the best out of players. But that doesn’t mean he is necessarily that type of coach — we don’t know what he’s like behind the scenes.”
He went on to stress that there is no universal formula for success within a team environment. Players respond differently to different kinds of leadership.
“There is no right or wrong,” de Villiers explained. “Some players feel more comfortable with a former international cricketer as coach. Others prefer someone who may never have played at the highest level but has gathered years of experience as a coach. It varies from team to team and from player to player.”
Many believe that India are struggling to find their identity in Test cricket following the gradual exit of giants such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin himself. Younger players appear unable to handle pressure consistently, and the team’s decision-making seems confused.
Yet despite the chaos and the two home series defeats, de Villiers does not think India are in a crisis.
“They will be hurt after losing to South Africa, but there’s no need for panic,” he said. “There is so much talent in this Indian squad. They have multiple options to build different combinations. With patience, everything will settle into place.”
He also praised South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma, who has never lost a Test as captain. De Villiers highlighted how Bavuma defied expectations.
“Temba surprised all of us,” de Villiers admitted. “At first, even I wasn’t sure whether to trust him as a long-term leader. But he really embodies the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ He may not look intimidating like Graeme Smith, he speaks softly, but his leadership has proven that there are different ways to succeed.”