Gautam Gambhir slams Indian commentators, reveals if he misses his old job at KKR: 'Honestly, not'

Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has hit back at critics in his trademark no-nonsense style. Gambhir also took a sharp dig at some former players who he feels act like they own Indian cricket. Ever since his appointment, questions have been raised about his approach and his blunt attitude, especially by some former cricketers-turned-commentators.

After the Indian cricket team lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia 3-1 and failed to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, questions were raised about Gambhir’s credibility as coach. Before the BGT, India lost a home Test series to New Zealand 3-0, their first defeat on home soil since 2013. However, Gambhit silenced his critics with a Champions Trophy win in Dubai in February.

India coach hits back at his critics

Speaking at the ABP India At 2047 Summit, Gambhir made it clear that he is not here to please anyone sitting in “air-conditioned commentary boxes” but to take Indian cricket forward. He emphasised that criticism was expected in a high-profile role like his, but he wouldn’t let that shake his commitment to the team or the nation.

“When I took up this job, I knew there would always be ups and downs. My job is to make the country proud, not please a few individuals sitting in air-conditioned commentary boxes,” Gambhir said.

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“Some people sitting in the commentary box for 25 years think Indian cricket is their family fiefdom. It’s not. It belongs to the people of India. I’m not a coach of any cozy club or lobby. I don’t believe in playing politics. I’m here to build a team that plays fearlessly and with pride,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gambhir didn’t hold back while talking about those who criticise from abroad. He said that Indian cricket should be run by Indians committed to the country, not those living overseas and commenting from afar.

“Commentators should realise, cricket kisi ki jaagir nahi hai (cricket is not anyone’s private property). These people go abroad and become NRIs. I will stay in India and pay my taxes here,” he said.

Gambhir has no regrets about leaving KKR

When asked if he misses his former role at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a team he led to two IPL titles as captain in 2012 and 2014 and then one as their mentor in 2024. Gambhir gave a straight reply, “Honestly, not. I have a far bigger responsibility to take Indian cricket forward.”

On a lighter note, when asked which cricketer’s body he would enter if given a chance, Gambhir took Virat Kohli’s name with a smile, “It would be Virat Kohli’s, because he is the fittest player on the team.” Kohli is considered one of the fittest sportspeople in the world despite being closer to the end of his career.