Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 29: Former England spinner Monty Panesar has suggested that India head coach Gautam Gambhir should consider coaching a Ranji Trophy team to gain a deeper understanding of red-ball cricket, amid mounting criticism over India’s recent Test setbacks.
Speaking to ANI, Panesar said that while Gambhir has proven himself as a successful coach in white-ball formats, a stint in domestic red-ball cricket would help him learn how to build and manage a Test squad. He added that interacting with experienced Ranji coaches could offer valuable insights into team composition and long-format strategies.
“Gautam Gambhir is a good coach in white-ball cricket because he has been successful. However, he could benefit from becoming a Ranji Trophy coach. He should talk to those who have coached in the Ranji Trophy about how to build a team in red-ball cricket. Right now, the Indian team is weak in Test cricket. This is the reality. It will take time,” Panesar said, pointing out that the retirement of senior players has made the transition even more challenging.
Panesar’s remarks come amid reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached former India batter VVS Laxman as a potential candidate for the Test head coach role, following India’s poor performances in the longest format.
India have endured a difficult phase in Test cricket under Gambhir’s tenure, suffering two whitewash defeats — a 3-0 loss against New Zealand and a 2-0 series defeat to South Africa — intensifying scrutiny of the team’s leadership and direction.
The former England spinner also criticised India’s Test captain Shubman Gill, describing him as a “complacent” cricketer. While acknowledging Gill’s talent, Panesar said the young batter often plays “lazy shots” and may not yet be ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the team across formats.
Comparing him with Virat Kohli, Panesar noted that Kohli’s intensity and aggression are evident in all formats, qualities he believes Gill currently lacks. “It is too much of a burden for him; he can’t be the captain across all formats,” Panesar added.