Indian cricket has once again come up against significant changes. But this time, the discussion is not about batting orders, overseas failures, or selection puzzles but rather, the only leadership, philosophy, and a structure that may finally need reform.
Gautam Gambhir’s period as India’s all-format head coach has been accompanied by two very different storylines: easy wins in white-ball cricket and decline in red-ball cricket.
And the stark contrast is exactly what has turned the idea of split coaching, which was once deemed unnecessary for India, to being an accepted practice now.
Red Ball losses are lurking beneath White Ball wins
If we analyze just the white-ball results, his limited-overs record is very good and can even be considered as impressive. India conquered the Champions Trophy 2025 and Asia Cup 2025 under him, and he managed to keep India still competitive in the T20I series.
Gautam seems to be a bottleneck when it comes to the T20 World Cup; on the contrary, he is quite successful as a coach in ODIs and T20Is. But switching formats to whites changes the whole game not just narratively but also practically.
India winning only four out of thirteen test matches under Gautam Gambhir is a story in itself. India ranks below Pakistan in the WTC standings. However, what has been the source of the greatest frustration for the fans and the former cricketers alike has been the way of shifting blame, such as talking about transition, injury lists, and repeated reminders of past glories.
Pointing to Shubman Gill’s injury or the inexperience of the team can indeed justify a loss or two but definitely not the pattern which has been going on for 16 months.
Arguments in favor of dual coaching gain the strongest support ever
Harbhajan Singh, Kapil Dev, and other former players plus analysts have given the simple truth that India today is practically two teams. The differences among formats are huge regarding staff, roles, workloads, and calendars. Split coaching might look like a demotion. However, it is rather a structural upgrade.
Let’s list reasons that this model fits India now:
Dedicated, specialist attention for the Test team
India’s test side is changing because of players’ retirements and new batters, getting injured, and having inexperienced bowlers. It requires the deep planning and long-format understanding that a single, burdened coach might not always be able to provide. A red-ball specialist could completely devote his attention to five-day matches, creating the culture and identity for India once again.
Gambhir is more suited to the shorter formats of the game
His white-ball results are not accidental. Gautam Gambhir knows how to read the tempo, the matchups, and the logic of limited-overs cricket that is changing all the time. He has created fearless dressing rooms. The dual setup would enable him to intensify his focus on what he is obviously good at without taking him through a Test rebuild—one he hasn’t managed well—that would slow him down.
Lessens workload and prevents burnout
Making the whole world see international cricket as one calendar year is the main point. One coach, taking care of three formats, travelling, handling the media, dealing with analytics, doing the prep, and making the selection, this situation cannot go on. Split coaching gives the coach the same share emotionally and logistically.
Modern cricket has moved on
Making the whole world see international cricket as one calendar year is the main point. One coach, taking care of three formats, travelling, handling the media, dealing with analytics, doing the prep, and making the selection, this situation cannot go on. Split coaching gives the coach the same share emotionally and logistically.
Gambhir’s defensiveness has not been of any use
Along with that, Gautam Gambhir’s comebacks, “Don’t meddle in others’ business,” or “I am still that guy who lifted the Champions Trophy,” indicate a trainer who is trying to escape through a corner.
The storyline keeps changing from excuses or past glories, rather than taking the Test failures on the chin. That kind of thing is not good for Indian cricket during a very critical and foundational transition period.
Making a decision that requires courage is now a necessity
Coaching split is not a punishment. It is rather an opportunity. India can keep Gautam Gambhir and the leadership that is getting more and more effective in white-ball cricket along with the Test specialist who will create the discipline, consistency, and adaptability in the longer format that the area needs.
The need to protect the team’s red-ball legacy must take precedence over the need to protect the coach’s ego. India should definitely consider split coaching, and Gambhir’s Test position should be the first one to be reviewed.
The format has delineated his restrictions clearly and to continue like this would mean no progress. A modern structure for a modern cricketing giant is not a matter of choice anymore
