Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of India, is currently under intense scrutiny following a series of disappointing performances. During his tenure, the Indian team has suffered defeats in an ODI series against Sri Lanka and in a Test series against New Zealand at home and Australia away. Concerns have also been raised regarding Gambhir's limited experience as a coach in first-class cricket.

Nevertheless, in anticipation of the upcoming five-match T20I series against England starting January 22, Gambhir received commendations from England's head coach, Brendon McCullum, who referred to the former Indian opener as a "strong leader of men."

When questioned about the necessity of having first-class coaching experience to thrive in international cricket, McCullum noted that he himself had minimal experience prior to his appointment as England's Test coach. Previously, he was coaching the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before assuming the role with the England Test team. He has since expanded his responsibilities to include the white-ball format.

"I can attest to Gautam Gambhir's capabilities as I have collaborated with him in the past, and he is an exceptional leader. He possesses a remarkable ability to lead men, and in the various leadership roles he has undertaken, he has consistently excelled," McCullum stated during a press conference in Kolkata on Monday.

"He is just beginning his journey with this team, but there is no doubt that he will maximize the potential of the talent at his disposal, and we must devise a strategy to counter that with our own approach," he further remarked.

'Everyone's approaches are unique'

McCullum asserts that possessing first-class coaching experience is not a prerequisite for achieving success in international cricket. He emphasizes that coaching methodologies vary significantly among individuals, and each coach requires a period of adjustment to establish their approach.

It is noteworthy that Gambhir and McCullum have previously played together in the Kolkata Knight Riders' dressing room.

Gambhir boasts an outstanding record in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He initially guided KKR to victory in two IPL championships in 2012 and 2014. Subsequently, as a mentor, he led the Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. In 2024, while serving as a mentor for KKR, he played a pivotal role in securing the franchise's third IPL title.

"I am not entirely certain; at times, I question whether 'coach' is the most appropriate term. Each individual has their own distinct methods, and their approaches are uniquely tailored. From my perspective, I prefer to focus less on traditional coaching and more on fostering a positive and enjoyable environment. This allows players to explore their talents and confront challenging situations, all while knowing they have support and encouragement to continue striving," McCullum remarked.

"Other coaches may adopt a more structured and technical approach, while some might be more regimented in their methods. Ultimately, the diversity in coaching styles is quite pronounced," he further elaborated.

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