Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh feels that there is "nothing wrong" in taking up split coaching as the method has led to multiple teams delivering in the past. However, he also sympathised with Gautam Gambhir and pointed out how difficult it is to be Team India's head coach for every format.
“It is not that easy to become a coach of India. To be a coach, you have to travel with the team for a whole year and keep yourself involved in the game. You have to be more engaged because there are multiple team selections, and you also need to focus on match results," Harbhajan told ANI.
Harbhajan backs Gambhir
Harbhajan further said that people need to show patience with Gambhir and added that India aren't required to opt for split coaching as of yet.
“Gautam Gambhir does not go there to play. When he was playing, he played well. He played very well for India. Everyone needs to be patient. If you feel you need to split the coaching, such as adopting a policy of one white ball and one red ball, then there is no need to do so for now. But over time, if needed, you should definitely do it. There is nothing wrong with that," he added.
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This statement comes after there has been a lot of criticism against Gambhir following Team India's dismal performances under him particularly in Test cricket. The series whitewash at home to South Africa led to many former Indian cricketers questioning Gambhir's methods of coaching. There were even rumours that a top BCCI official had approached VVS Laxman for the role of Test coach following the deffeat to South Africa.
BCCI expresses faith in Gambhir
However, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia soon came out in Gambhir's support and rubbished the reports claiming that they were looking to replace him as the Test coach. He is currently the side's head coach across all three formats and his next assignment will be the three-match ODI series against New Zealand that will commence from January 11. It remains to be seen if the Men in Blue will be able to continue their stunning form in white-ball cricket under Gambhir in the upcoming series.