Gautam Gambhir's tenure as the head coach of Team India did not start in a promising way. Expectations were sky high from the former India opener when he replaced Rahul Dravid as head coach in July last year.
The Indian great was attached to the BCCI after his success as a coach in the IPL. Under his guidance, Kolkata Knight Riders played an exciting brand of cricket and went on to win the IPL after a gap of ten years. However, things have not worked out in an expected manner for Gautam Gambhir ever since he became India's head coach.
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Under him, India lost the ODI series in Sri Lanka. It was followed by a humiliating 3-0 Test series defeat at home to New Zealand. It was India's first home Test series defeat in the 2012/13 season. India had a chance to bounce back by winning the Test series in Australia, but they were completely outclassed as they lost the series 3-1.
The defeat ended India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final for the third consecutive time. India also lost a Test series against Australia for the first time since 2017. Unsurprisingly, Gautam Gambhir is facing the heat from several quarters.
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Brendon McCullum defends Gautam Gambhir:
As India's head coach tries to make a comeback, he has received much-needed support from his British counterpart Brendon McCullum.
Speaking to the media ahead of the first T20I between India and England, McCullum defended Gautam Gambhir and hailed him as an outstanding leader. He also said that Gambhir is just starting as head coach, implying that it is too early to judge him.
“Gautam Gambhir is an outstanding leader. For India, he is just getting started as head coach,” said Brendon McCullum.
After defending Gambhir, McCullum shifted his focus to the upcoming series against India. England are scheduled to play 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs against the Men in Blue. The tour will begin this week with the T20I series.
Ahead of the series, McCullum hailed India as a very good side but also made sure to issue a warning to the hosts. The former New Zealand captain warned India not to take England's batting line-up lightly, saying, “India is a very good side. But our batting line-up is as strong as any in world cricket.”
He also said that England would not shy away from playing an exciting brand of cricket, saying: “We will play a very watchable style of cricket.”
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Meanwhile, the first T20I between India and England will be played at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday (January 22).