Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has openly expressed surprise at the ongoing criticism faced by head coach Gautam Gambhir since he took charge of the Indian cricket team. While some find Gambhir's blunt communication style difficult, Harbhajan praises his honesty and straightforward nature. He calls Gambhir a 'badhiya banda', meaning a top guy who speaks the uncomfortable truth rather than provoking for the sake of it. This blunt honesty, combined with Gambhir's tone, often leads to misconceptions about his personality.
Harbhajan further elaborates on Gambhir's character, highlighting that the coach is fundamentally a good and committed individual. Despite this, he notes that many find it hard to accept coaches' honesty, especially when results are mixed. Harbhajan also touches on the unfair tendency to blame coaches when teams underperform, suggesting the pressure they face is immense. He recalls Gambhir as a player who always put the team's interests above personal achievements.
Gautam Gambhir's coaching period has seen India struggle, particularly in Test cricket, prompting intense scrutiny from fans and experts alike. Harbhajan believes that this criticism often overlooks the intent behind Gambhir's candid remarks and his dedication to the team's success. The former spinner emphasizes that while Gambhir's style may not appeal to everyone, it stems from a place of honesty and commitment.